There is the looming danger of the outbreak of possible life-threatening diseases in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital. This is coming on the heels of the sale by butchers meat from 33 poisoned cattle to unsuspecting consumers.
According to report by The Guardian, the 33 cows were suspected to have died of poisoning. But instead of disposing their carcass, Butchers in the State Capital decided to slaughter and sell to unsuspecting customers. It was also gathered that the dead animals instead of been disposed by their owners were distributed to butchers to reduce total loss.
But fearing for the health implication of consuming the meat of the dead cows, the Kwara State Government has taken a proactive action.
The State Government led by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Toyosi Thomas-Adebayo, stormed popular markets in the city, yesterday. As a result the slaughtered meat was mopped up and prevented it from being sold in the markets.
The Guardian stated that the animals were sighted on Atere road linking Al-Hikma University campus, inside the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin by the Kwara Monitoring Group (KMG). The group on noticing the health status of the animals, immediately alerted the Government.
“They pleaded with the Commissioner for Environment, as well as Health and Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to take immediate action.” So, as to prevent the poisoned cows from being sold to unsuspecting public.
“KMG assured that it would not relent in supporting the State Government to sanitize the State.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has warned the public against patronizing illegal meat selling points selling meat at a cheaper rate.
According to The Guardian, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon, confirmed the development. The Commissioner said the Ministry had commenced a raid of illegal vet and meat premises in the State. This is to ensure the safety of lives .
The Commissioner said: “The Government is poised to ensure the safety of the people. Especially by ensuring that the meat they consume is safe.”
Olugbon, however, warned Veterinary centres and meat selling points to adhere strictly to proper hygiene.
The Commissioner for Agriculture was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, officials from the Ministry of Environment. Others included the Executive Secretary of KWEPA, Mrs. Folorunsho Idayat, and Ministry of Health officials. Also in the entourage were the Permanent Secretary, Afusat Ibrahim, and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode.
“The Agriculture Commissioner arrived the Mandate Market in Ilorin to activate measures to protect the public from tainted food.
The Guardian reported that the Government confiscated all suspected meats for laboratory tests.
While allaying fears for possible health implication for consumption contaminated, the Commissioner urged the public to be calm. He said his Ministry will work to establish the truth of the rumour of poisoned meat.
Olugbon also commended the leadership of the market for cooperating with the officials.
Source: The Guardian
