The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has visited the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A”, Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.
While expressing the condolences of NCS to the family during the visit, ACG Swomen said: “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”
Nigeria Customs has now visited the family for the second time, thereby showcasing commitment, compassion and empathy.
“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family,” he stated.
Similarly, Swomen while sympathising with the widower, Michael Odulaja, assured the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.
His words: “The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously.
“When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward.”
Odulaja in his response, expressed gratitude to the service representatives for their visit and support.
“I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children,” he disclosed.
Recall that the NCS in a press statement issued on February, 26, 2024 vowed to investigate with the families of the stampede victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step,” the statement reads.
