Panic in Ogun, Lagos Over Alleged Circulation of ‘Deadly Rice’…Tension is brewing in parts of Ogun and Lagos States following widespread rumors about the alleged circulation of poisonous rice.
The scare, which began as a series of anonymous voice notes shared via WhatsApp, has quickly spread, sparking anxiety across communities and causing many residents to avoid purchasing rice from local markets.
The alarming audio messages claim that two truckloads of rice, reportedly stolen from a foreign merchant, were smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders. The alleged owner, in response to the theft, is said to have contacted traditional Ogun worshippers in Ghana to place a deadly curse on the stolen goods. According to the viral messages, anyone who consumes the cursed rice will die within days, with the spirit of the Ogun deity allegedly invoked to punish those involved in the theft and those who unknowingly consume the product.
These rumors have been accompanied by shocking claims that more than 70 people, including a soldier and several customs officers, have already died after eating the rice. While none of these claims have been verified, the spread of such stories has been enough to instill fear and uncertainty in the minds of many. Across markets in Ogun and Lagos, rice sales have noticeably dropped, and some vendors report that customers are refusing to purchase the staple food altogether.
In response to the growing panic, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped forward to categorically deny the allegations. A statement released by the Seme Area Command labeled the reports as completely false, misleading, and baseless. According to the NCS, there have been no incidents of deaths or health complications among their personnel or within the border communities linked to any rice consumption. They have urged the public to disregard the rumors and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
Despite the reassurances from authorities, the tension on the ground remains palpable. Some residents, particularly in border communities, are taking extra precautions, with many advising their families to avoid buying rice until further notice. Community leaders have also expressed concern over the situation, calling on the government to take more proactive measures in clarifying the facts and ensuring public safety.
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The power of social media and mobile messaging platforms in fueling the panic cannot be overstated. Voice notes, many of them emotional and urgent in tone, continue to circulate online, warning people to stay away from rice markets and to dispose of any rice already purchased from street vendors or unknown sources. Some of the messages even claim that hospitals in certain areas are overwhelmed with patients suffering from food poisoning, though no official health agency has confirmed such incidents.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to food safety and public health, stating that no contaminated rice has been found in circulation. They have also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious food products or adverse health reactions to the appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health.
As of now, no deaths or illnesses have been officially linked to the alleged cursed rice, and investigations into the source of the rumors are ongoing. The Customs Service has pledged to increase surveillance along the borders to prevent smuggling and ensure that only certified food products are allowed into the country.
In the meantime, officials are calling for calm, urging Nigerians to resist the temptation to panic or share unverified information. While the story of cursed rice may seem sensational, the real danger lies in the potential chaos and disruption such rumors can create if left unchecked.
