Gladness Gideon
Tension has gripped communities in parts of Lagos and Ogun states following widespread rumours about allegedly “cursed” rice in circulation, prompting warnings from residents and a swift rebuttal from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Voice messages circulating across WhatsApp and other social media platforms have urged people to refrain from buying or consuming rice, particularly imported brands, amid claims that the product may be laced with spiritual harm.
According to the viral audio recordings, two truckloads of rice were allegedly stolen in a neighbouring West African country and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders. The unverified accounts claim that the owner of the stolen rice, a female foreign trader, reportedly contacted Ogun worshippers in Ghana to invoke traditional curses upon anyone who consumes the contraband. Some of the voice notes further alleged that the curse had already led to the deaths of over 70 people, including Customs officers and a soldier in Badagry, Lagos State.
These rumours have triggered widespread anxiety. In Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, a number of parents reportedly approached food vendors in schools, instructing them not to serve rice to their children. Similar fears have spread to other parts of the South West, including Abeokuta and even as far as Ibadan, Oyo State.
Despite the growing panic, the Nigeria Customs Service has firmly dismissed the allegations as false and baseless. In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NCS Seme Area Command, Isah Sulaiman, the agency clarified that no such cursed rice existed and no deaths had been reported in relation to any rice seizure.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation… The command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: Customs invade Ibadan foodstuffs market, impound eight truckloads of rice
The Customs Service emphasized that all seized goods are handled transparently and in accordance with established legal procedures. It also described the rumours as the work of “unscrupulous elements” aiming to spread fear and misinformation under the guise of journalism.
“There is no incident within the command’s area of responsibility, or among its personnel, that supports claims of death caused by consumption of rice linked to the NCS,” the statement added.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain calm, verify information before sharing, and avoid spreading unfounded rumours that could incite panic or damage the reputation of security agencies.
While imported rice, particularly from the Benin Republic, remains a dietary staple across Nigeria—especially among children and youths—consumers are being advised to rely on verified information and maintain food safety awareness without yielding to fear-driven speculation.