The Kwara State Ministry of Environment has temporarily shut the abattoir at Mandate Market in Ilorin to allow for fumigation and general cleaning of the area following suspected meat poisoning in the facility.
Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the steps are part of the efforts to protect members of the public following the incident.
The abattoir will be reopened on Wednesday.
This is an update to the earlier report on the development at the popular Mandate Market.
The first statement, issued earlier today, follows hereunder.
Kwara State Government officials and experts have arrived at the Mandate Market in Ilorin to activate measures to protect the public amid rumours of poisoned cow meat.
On the team were the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Toyosi Thomas-Adebayo; Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam; officials from the Ministry of Environment, including the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency Mrs Folorunsho Idayat, and officials from the Ministry of Health including the Permanent Secretary Alhaja Afusat Ibrahim, and the Director of Public Health Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, among others.
The government has immediately confiscated all the suspected meats for laboratory tests and confirmation of claims after initial engagements with the Mandate Market stakeholders.
Further information will be given as may become necessary.
The government urges members of the public to be calm while the team establishes the truth of the rumour of poisoned meat. It also commends leadership of the market for their cooperation so far.