Panic in Ogun, Lagos Over Rumoured ‘Deadly Rice’ in Circulation

Panic has gripped parts of Ogun and Lagos States following widespread rumours about the circulation of allegedly deadly rice.

Voice notes and messages circulating on WhatsApp and other platforms have raised alarm among residents, warning against the purchase or consumption of rice.

The rumour alleges that a foreign rice trader invoked the spirit of the Ogun deity after two truckloads of her rice were stolen and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders.

According to the audio messages obtained by our correspondent, the woman allegedly contacted Ogun worshippers in Ghana to place a curse on anyone who consumes the stolen rice.

Some of the messages also claimed that Customs officers and a soldier died in Badagry, Lagos State, after consuming the rice.

Another unverified claim alleged that over 70 people have died in recent days after eating the product.

In response, many residents, particularly in Ogun State, have taken the warnings seriously.

A resident of Ipokia Local Government Area, Morayo, reported that some parents have visited schools to instruct food vendors not to sell rice to their children.

Despite efforts by some to dismiss the rumours, more voice notes continue to surface, reinforcing public fear and confusion about the safety of consuming rice.

However, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos and Ogun States has firmly refuted the claims.

In a statement issued by Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Seme Area Command, the NCS labelled the rumour as “false, misleading, and baseless.”

“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the owner’s consent, who then allegedly invoked traditional powers, resulting in deaths, including a soldier in Badagry,” the statement read.

The NCS stressed that it adheres strictly to established procedures for handling seized goods, with transparency and compliance with legal protocols.

It added that no incidents within its jurisdiction or among its personnel support the rumours of deaths linked to rice consumption.

Condemning those spreading the false claims, the NCS accused certain individuals masquerading as journalists of promoting disinformation for ulterior motives.

It urged the public to disregard the rumour and avoid spreading fear.

Despite the official reassurances, the rumour has continued to spread beyond Lagos and Ogun, reaching as far as Abeokuta, Ibadan, and other parts of the country, further heightening concerns among rice consumers.