Four women have been arrested in Edo state for allegedly selling donkey meat at the New Benin Market. According to the government, donkey meat is not approved for consumption in the state. Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr, Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, led a team of operatives who carried out the arrests.
Aikhuomobhogbe said; “This is an issue of food safety. In Edo state, donkey meat is not approved as one of the meats that we consume but our people still indulge in it. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that we eradicate its consumption in Edo State.
He assured that the government will continue to ensure that we pursue those involved in the business. So that we will bring them to justice; because it is not right for us to provide food that is not healthy for our people.
The Assistant Director, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Peter Osagie, also added in an address that donkey meat is not part of the meat legislated for human consumption in Edo State.
Following the development, the Chairman, Association of Edo State Practicing Butchers, Comr. Adhere Odijie likewise alleged that the donkey meats are being brought into Benin City from Agbor in Delta State. “These donkey meats have not been in the market in Edo State for a very long time; but information got to us this morning that they have brought the meat into the city at about4.00 am this morning; we swung into action and were able to confiscate this large quantity of donkey meat,” he said
