Reports indicate that in Kwara State, allegedly poisoned cows that were confiscated and slaughtered for public consumption near the State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, CAILS, in Ilorin, the state capital, have been buried.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the animals were affected by grazing on contaminated grass.
The decision to bury the animals came after various precautions were taken to prevent the consumption of the suspected poisoned meat from these cows.
In a statement by Mrs. Funke Sokoya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, it was mentioned that the state government, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Environment, and the State Environmental Protection Agency, along with other stakeholders including the Iyaloja of Mandate Market, collectively agreed to halt slaughtering activities for three consecutive days starting from Monday. This halt is to facilitate the proper fumigation of the slaughter slab to eliminate any potential risks.
Further investigations into the incident highlighted that the contamination of the cows was a result of grazing on tainted grass in the vicinity.
The Ministry of Agriculture will enhance its monitoring activities at various abattoirs in the state, with a particular focus on both private and government-owned facilities.
Dr. Olugbon Abdullateef Saliman, the Director of Veterinary Services, emphasized the need for private slaughter slabs to align with the ministry’s standards. Any slab that does not meet the required criteria will face closure, with such facilities directed to government-owned slaughter slabs for operation. This measure aims to ensure stringent monitoring of slaughter practices and the quality of meat distributed to the public.