In response to allegations of the sale of poisonous cow meat in Mandate Market, Kwara State, the government has taken swift action by temporarily closing down the local abattoir.
This was announced by the Ministry of Environment, aims to investigate claims made by the Kwara Monitoring Group regarding the distribution of meat from 33 allegedly poisoned cows.
According to a statement by Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the abattoir will remain closed until Wednesday to facilitate thorough cleaning and fumigation. This measure intends to ensure the safety of consumers and prevent further health risks associated with the suspected meat poisoning.
The Kwara Monitoring Group raised concerns after it was reported that the carcasses of the poisoned cows were slaughtered and distributed for sale in the market. The incident reportedly occurred along Atere Road, near the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin.
Responding to the allegations, the Kwara State government deployed a team led by the Commissioners for Health and Agriculture, Dr. Amina El-Imam and Toyosi Adebayo respectively, to investigate the matter. Officials seized the suspected poisonous meat for laboratory testing to verify the claims.
Officials have urged residents to remain calm as investigations proceed and commend the cooperation of Mandate Market’s leadership during the process.
