The Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Engr. Prof. Ignatius Ikpomwonsa Omorodion, has ordered the immediate suspension of animal slaughtering at the Eyaen Abattoir, citing poor hygiene and deteriorating facilities.
The directive was issued during a strategic meeting with Fulani cattle dealers drawn from the state’s 18 local government areas, held at the Eyaen Cattle Market, according to a statement released by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Eseosa Joy Onaiwu.
Prof. Omorodion explained that the decision followed concerns over public health risks posed by the current state of the abattoir. He noted that the meeting also aimed to strengthen cooperation with stakeholders and explore critical interventions to improve animal health and the livestock value chain, in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
“We are basically here to conduct an inspection of this market, so that moving forward, we can look at areas of critical intervention in terms of animal health, because we want our people to eat good meat,” the Commissioner said.
He further assured cattle dealers of the state government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment and ensuring peace for their businesses to thrive. “We want our forests and bush to be safe. We want you to do your business and make profit. We want peace for our state,” he added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Imafidon, said the state government plans to profile all cattle entering Edo State as part of measures to improve regulation and support for livestock rearers and dealers.
“We intend to give adequate attention to cattle rearers and dealers, and ensure that all animals entering our state are properly profiled,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, stated that the Ministry’s strategic plan is in line with current realities at the market. He noted that the volume of cattle presently at the Eyaen market supports the government’s proposed livestock development strategy.
“With the number of cattle in this market today, the plan of the Ministry perfectly aligns with the market strategy we are seeing,” Otamere said.
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