By Dansu Peter A group of rice sellers at the popular Badagry Roundabout Market in Lagos State have taken to an unusual method to counter ...
By Dansu Peter
A group of rice sellers at the popular Badagry Roundabout Market in Lagos State have taken to an unusual method to counter fast-spreading rumours about allegedly "poisonous" rice—by eating the rice themselves.
In a video making the rounds on Facebook, three women were seen sitting together, eating cooked rice and shouting in unison to dismiss the viral claim that "killer rice" was being sold in Badagry and parts of Ogun State.
"Our rice does not kill anyone," one of the women said. "We bought this rice from the Benin Republic. Please, ignore the fake news. Don't spoil our business. Rice is not killing anybody in Badagry."
This bold demonstration comes amid growing panic in parts of Lagos and Ogun following voice notes and WhatsApp messages alleging that two truckloads of rice, stolen from a neighbouring country, had been cursed by their owner. According to the viral claims, the woman—reportedly a foreign rice trader—was said to have consulted Ogun worshippers in Ghana to place a deadly curse on anyone who buys or eats the stolen rice, which allegedly made its way into Nigeria through the Seme and Idiroko borders.
The disturbing voice notes even went as far as alleging that some Customs officers and a soldier had died after consuming the rice, with some messages claiming over 70 people had been killed within days. These rumours, however, remain unverified.
The widespread panic prompted residents across both states to caution family members and food vendors. In some areas of Ipokia Local Government, Ogun State, parents reportedly stormed schools to warn food sellers not to serve rice to their children.
Despite several attempts by individuals and community leaders to debunk the claim, more voice notes have continued to circulate, deepening confusion and fear around the consumption of rice.
However, the market women in Badagry are standing firm. Their message is simple: there is no killer rice in Badagry.
"We are tired of these lies," said one seller. "This is how we feed our families. Nobody has died from eating our rice."
As fears simmer and the search for truth continues, the women hope their viral video will help restore public confidence and protect their livelihoods from the damage of fake news.
CLICK LINK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
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