Officials of Edo state government have arrested four women for selling donkey meat, which “is not approved” for consumption in the state.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the women were arrested on Wednesday for selling the prohibited meat, locally known as ‘jaki’, at the New Benin Market.
The permanent secretary of Edo ministry of agriculture and natural resources, Peter Aikhuomobhogbe who led the operation, condemned residents who still engage in the sale and consumption of the meat despite its prohibition.
He said the meat is unhealthy and vowed to eradicate its trade in the state.
“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 said.
“We 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.”
Peter Osagie, the assistant director of the ministry’s department of veterinary public health and medical services, said the ‘jaki’ trade is shrouded in “darkness and secrecy”.
“Donkey meat is not part of the meat legislated for human consumption in Edo state; they do this business under cover of darkness and secrecy,” he said.
“Some of these animals being processed for human consumption have not undergone any form of inspection.
“Any animal that has not been inspected before being presented for human consumption is considered unsafe.”
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