The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken proactive steps to assist the family of Susan Odulaja, a victim tragically lost in the stampede that occurred during a rice sale in Lagos earlier this year on February 23, 2024.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, facilitated a visit by a delegation led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to the Odulaja family residence in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.
During this heartfelt encounter, ACG Swomen conveyed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the grieving family, acknowledging the profound loss suffered during the chaotic rice sale event.
“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,” expressed Swomen.
The visit was a poignant continuation of the NCS’s outreach efforts, highlighting their ongoing dedication to providing empathy and practical assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
“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,” explained ACG Swomen.
In a gesture of solidarity, ACG Swomen assured Michael Odulaja, the bereaved widower, of the NCS’s sustained commitment to collaborating with the family throughout their grieving process.
“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,” Swomen emphasised.
Expressing gratitude for the visit and support extended by the NCS, Michael Odulaja conveyed his appreciation, stating, “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.”
The NCS’s proactive engagement with the Odulaja family aligns with their earlier commitment as outlined in a press statement issued shortly after the tragic incident on February 26, 2024.
The statement conveyed, “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.”
