There is growing tension in parts of Lagos and Ogun States following widespread rumours that deadly rice is in circulation, allegedly cursed by a foreign trader invoking the spirit of the Ogun deity.
Voice notes shared across social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, claim that two trucks of rice stolen from a neighbouring country were smuggled into Nigeria via the Idiroko and Seme borders. The rumour alleges that the rice owner—a woman—hired traditional worshippers in Ghana to curse anyone who consumes the stolen rice.
Viral Voice Notes Stir Panic
In multiple voice recordings obtained by our correspondent, some speakers claim that Customs officers and even a soldier have died in Badagry, Lagos State, supposedly after eating the rice. Another message alleged that over 70 people had died in recent days from consuming the product.
As panic spread, some parents in Ipokia Local Government of Ogun reportedly rushed to schools, instructing food vendors not to sell rice to their children. A resident, Morayo, confirmed that warnings had reached communities, with many residents avoiding rice altogether.
Customs Responds: ‘False and Baseless’
Reacting to the viral claims, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command issued a strong rebuttal. The statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, described the rumour as completely unfounded and misleading.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated, unfounded allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the owner’s knowledge, leading to deaths allegedly caused by traditional curses,” the statement read.
The NCS emphasized that no such incident had occurred within its jurisdiction, and its procedures for handling seized goods are guided by transparency, due process, and adherence to legal standards.
Public Urged to Disregard Rumour
The Command urged Nigerians to stop spreading false information that could create public fear or damage the credibility of security agencies. It accused certain individuals of using the guise of journalism to spread malicious content.
“These baseless stories do not reflect reality. They are fabrications by unscrupulous individuals bent on causing panic,” the Command stated.
Fear Spreads to Other States
Despite the official denial, the rumour has spread beyond Lagos and Ogun to areas like Abeokuta and Ibadan, fueling anxiety among rice consumers across Southwest Nigeria.
The Customs Service reassures the public that there is no deadly or poisoned rice in circulation and encourages citizens to continue consuming rice without fear.
