The Edo State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the slaughtering of animals at the Eyaen Cattle Market abattoir, citing poor sanitary conditions and deteriorating facilities.
The directive was issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Engr. Prof. Ignatius Ikpomwonsa Omorodion, during a strategic meeting with Fulani cattle dealers drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state, held at the Eyaen Cattle Market.
According to a press release signed by Eseosa Joy Onaiwu, Public Relations Officer Ministry of Livestock Development and made available to newsmen, Prof. Omorodion said the decision followed an inspection of the facility, which revealed unhygienic practices that pose risks to public health. He stressed that the move was necessary to safeguard animal health and ensure the consumption of safe and wholesome meat by residents.
“We are basically here to conduct an inspection of this market, so that moving forward, we can now look at areas of critical intervention in terms of animal health, because we want our people to eat good meat,” the Commissioner said.
He noted that the engagement with cattle dealers was also aimed at fostering cooperation and exploring strategies to improve the livestock sector in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
The Commissioner further assured cattle dealers of the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive peacefully.
“We want our forests and our bush to be safe. We want you to do your business and make profit. We want peace for our state,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Imafidon, disclosed that the state government plans to profile all cattle entering Edo State as part of efforts to enhance security and improve livestock management.
“We intend to give adequate attention to cattle rearers and dealers, and we intend to make sure that all the animals entering our state are profiled,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, stated that the Ministry’s Strategic Plan is well aligned with the realities on ground at the Eyaen market, particularly considering the volume of cattle traded daily.
“With the number of cattle in this market today, the plan of the Ministry perfectly aligns with the market strategy we are seeing,” Otamere noted.
The meeting forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to reform the livestock sector, improve public health standards, and promote peaceful coexistence among stakeholders.
