In a distressing turn of events, more than 30 cows met a tragic end after purportedly ingesting poisonous grains in Kwara State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred during the routine grazing of the cattle from Mandate Market to the School of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies over the weekend.
Mr. Olugbon, one of the affected cattle owners, recounted receiving a harrowing call about the cows collapsing on their return journey to Mandate Market.
He lamented the substantial loss and expressed suspicion of sabotage, citing prior uneventful passages through the same route for grazing.
Echoing Olugbon’s sentiments, Mr. Ismail Ibrahim, another cattle rearer, disclosed that the remaining affected cows had received treatment and were under close observation. Both individuals appealed to the state government for assistance in the wake of the calamity.
Murtala Tanbariku, the Babaloja of Mandate Market, voiced his sorrow over the incident and implored government aid for affected traders.
However, the Kwara Monitoring Group (KMG) raised grave concerns in a statement by its coordinator, Dan-Musa, alleging that some of the deceased animals were being illicitly slaughtered and distributed to butchers for sale. Urging swift government intervention, the group called upon relevant authorities to prevent the circulation of poisoned meat in the market.
Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon, the state director of Veterinary Services, assured the public of the ministry’s proactive measures. He disclosed that raids on illegal veterinary and meat premises had commenced to safeguard public health. Dr. Olugbon cautioned against patronizing unauthorized meat vendors offering products at discounted rates, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of food consumed by the populace.
