Ogun State Government Clears the Air on 'Deadly Rice' Rumors – No One Has Died, Officials Confirm

 

In recent days, social media has been buzzing with disturbing voice notes warning people, especially parents, to stop their children and loved ones from buying or eating rice. These voice notes have caused serious panic in several communities across Ogun State and beyond, claiming that some batches of rice currently in circulation are "deadly" and responsible for mysterious deaths.

According to these viral messages, the rice in question was allegedly stolen from a foreign businesswoman and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders. The story goes further to claim that the rice originally came from a neighboring country, and that the woman who owned the rice was so angry about the theft that she decided to seek spiritual revenge.

The messages alleged that the rice dealer, said to be a foreigner, consulted traditional priests in Ghana—specifically worshippers of the fearsome Ogun deity—to lay a powerful curse on anyone who eats the stolen rice. The implication was that anyone who buys, cooks, or eats the rice could die as a result of this spiritual action.

The warnings spread quickly, and many people in Ogun State became fearful. Some even started throwing away their rice or avoiding buying rice from local markets entirely. The situation caused enough alarm that the state government was forced to respond.

In reaction to the growing fear and confusion, the Ogun State Government has officially debunked the rumors, calling them completely false and without any basis in fact.

The government, through the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, made it clear that there is no truth to the claims that anyone in the state has died from eating rice.

In his words, Mr. Akinmade stated plainly:

“No hospital report in that regard,”
indicating that no medical facility anywhere in Ogun State has recorded any death or illness linked to rice consumption.

He went further to assure the public that the rumors are "baseless" and should be ignored. According to him, the state government has not received any credible report or medical confirmation that supports the claim that people are dying from eating cursed or poisoned rice.

This official statement is important, especially in a time where fake news and superstition can spread like wildfire. It also helps to calm the fears of residents who may have been worried about feeding their families or shopping in the market.

As of now, there is no evidence—medical or otherwise—to support the claims being circulated. The public is therefore advised to go about their normal lives and continue to consume food items as usual, while also remaining vigilant about the sources of such false information.

Once again, the Ogun State Government emphasizes that:

“No hospital report in that regard.”

Residents are encouraged to rely on verified information from trusted sources, and not to act based on unverified audio messages or social media posts. The government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its people and will always investigate any genuine threats to public health.

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