society
Deadly Rice” Rumour Sparks Panic in Ogun, Lagos — Customs Debunks Poison Claims
Deadly Rice” Rumour Sparks Panic in Ogun, Lagos — Customs Debunks Poison Claims
A wave of panic and confusion is spreading across Ogun and Lagos states following viral rumours of “deadly rice” allegedly cursed by a foreign trader after her goods were stolen and smuggled into Nigeria.
Voice notes circulating widely on WhatsApp allege that two truckloads of rice, stolen from a neighbouring country and smuggled through the Idiroko and Seme borders, were cursed by a female trader who invoked the Ogun deity through traditional priests in Ghana.
According to the messages, anyone who buys or eats the rice is doomed. Some audio messages go as far as claiming that over 70 people, including customs officers and a soldier, have died after consuming the rice in Badagry, Lagos State.
In Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, fear has gripped communities. A resident, Morayo, told our correspondent that several parents stormed schools to warn food vendors not to serve rice to their children.
“People are genuinely scared. I’ve received over five different voice notes about the cursed rice today alone,” she said.
Despite attempts by some residents to debunk the rumours, new messages continue to surface, each reinforcing previous claims and leaving the public more confused.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed the reports as false, misleading, and dangerous, warning the public against spreading baseless panic.
In a statement issued by the Seme Area Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the service said:
“The widely circulated allegations are entirely unfounded. There is no evidence of any death linked to seized or distributed rice by the command. No soldier or customs officer has died in connection with this false narrative.”
The command affirmed that all disposal of seized goods follows strict procedures, including due process and transparency, and denied any involvement in illicit distribution.
Customs condemned those spreading the rumours, accusing them of weaponising falsehoods to stir fear and damage the agency’s reputation.
“It is unfortunate that some unscrupulous individuals are using the cover of journalism to spread fictitious, malicious stories that serve no public interest,” the statement added.
Despite official assurances, the rumour has already spread to Abeokuta, Ibadan, and other parts of the Southwest, leading many to boycott rice entirely, especially foreign varieties from Benin Republic, a staple among Nigerian households.
There is no confirmed case of contaminated or cursed rice in circulation, according to Nigeria Customs. The public is urged to verify information before spreading, as mass panic over unverified claims could cause more harm than good.
society
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.
The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.
According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.
Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.
With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.
society
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
… Affirming God’s omnipotence to unveil malicious schemes.
To be frank, the ability of Doris Ogala and her associates to withstand the arduous challenges set by Senior Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor of Grace Nation Global at the culmination of the Harvest of Babies 2026 conference, the church’s flagship event, continues to elude me.
It’s advisable not to offend a powerful spiritual leader like Prophet Chris Okafor to avoid potential consequences, as seen in the situation with Doris Ogala, who was rebuked by the prophet; can she rectify the situation through confession?
Insiders close to the man of God claim that despite relentless online bullying and blackmailing, the Generational Prophet remains resolute, stating that God’s power has been evident throughout the commission’s existence. The reason for this wonderful statement is found in the scriptures, “Upon this rock I shall build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail.” The more falsehoods are spread about the church and its leader, the more God elevates the church and propels him to greater heights, he asserted. He emphasized that blessings and fruitfulness are antidotes to curses, noting that God continues to bestow blessings upon the church, including miracles and the gift of children, which is one reason for the grand finale of the annual family liberation program, The Harvest of Babies.
However, the man of God issued a curse on each person speaking ill of the church, blackmailing, and uttering all sorts of falsehoods against the church, declaring that if they refused to repent within a few days, the earth would swallow them and their family members, stating that they would be of no use to themselves, their families, or society at large.
The spiritual leader cautions his followers to beware of such individuals including Doris Ogala who may taint their faith, and urges them to treat these persons as emissaries of the devil, avoiding them altogether.
Recall that the 2026 harvest of babies concluded with a remarkable birth of a miracle baby boy to a woman on the third day of the conference, accompanied by the dedication of several other miracle babies, all to the glory of God.
Christopher Sunday David writes from
Austria
society
Together We Walk, Together We Secure”: Police Launch 2026 Walkathon In Abuja
“Together We Walk, Together We Secure”: Police Launch 2026 Walkathon In Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to host a walkathon in commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day, aimed at promoting unity, peace, and stronger community partnership.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with participants expected to converge at the Force Headquarters Abuja by 6:00 a.m., where the walk will commence.
According to the organisers, the walkathon is designed to bring together members of the public, stakeholders, and security personnel in a show of solidarity and shared commitment to national security.
With the theme, “Together we walk, together we secure,” the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the police and citizens in maintaining peace and safety across the country.
Members of the public have been encouraged to participate in the exercise, which forms part of activities lined up to mark this year’s National Police Day celebration.
It is believed that the walkathon would not only foster closer ties between the police and the communities but also serve as a platform to promote awareness on collective responsibility in ensuring a safer society.
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