The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended its food disposal initiative following a stampede that claimed seven lives on February 23, during the distribution of 25Kg bags of rice at its Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos State

The service announced the suspension in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, noting that the suspension was part of the service’s resolve to enable it properly articulate its next line of action,not to defeat the initiative

According to the service spokesperson, the bags of rice were out of stock during the pilot distribution, which led to heightened desperation among the crowd.

He said that an internal investigation had been initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event, while the service commiserates with the families of the deceased and assured them of its unwavering support.