News

Benin City’s Slaughterhouses of Neglect, Filth, And Health Hazards

Published

1 year ago

May 16, 2025

By Osehobo Ofure

There are many slaughterhouses, or abattoirs, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, where animals are slaughtered daily for meat meant for public consumption. Some of these abattoirs are owned and operated by local governments, while others are privately managed.

One of the main government abattoirs, located near the swamps of the Ikpoba River, is over 65 years old.

At the abattoir, cows are slaughtered on bare floors, while butchers work without protective gear. With the borehole long out of service, they rely on water from a nearby house to wash animal parts, which often ends up mingling with stagnant pools of blood and dung infested with maggots just a few feet from the slaughter scene.

Waste from the slaughtered animals and their entrails are dumped in heaps nearby, occasionally collected by farmers as manure. The cold room installed decades ago is locked up and remains nonfunctional due to a lack of electricity.

According to Comrade Sunny Omokaro, National President of the National Butchers Employers Union of Nigeria, the abattoir generates about ₦1,000 per slaughtered cow daily for the local government council.

Despite this steady revenue, the facility remains in a state of decay, with the council making no effort to maintain it.

“We have made several representations to the council on this matter without any response beyond empty promises. It is a very pathetic situation,” Omokaro lamented.

Bright Omokaro, a butcher with over three decades of experience, explains the process: “Once the cow is brought in, a Muslim is present alongside a veterinary doctor who inspects and approves the cow for slaughter. The Muslim offers prayers and slaughters the cow, after which the veterinary doctor inspects it again before it is butchered.”

On what happens if an animal is declared sick or pregnant, he said, “If it’s sick, we kill and bury it. We even pour chemicals over it to ensure no one exhumes it to sell to unsuspecting members of the public.”

Kingsley Balogun, Secretary of the Butchers, emphasized the critical role of veterinary doctors.

“Without them, meat cannot be slaughtered or sold for public consumption,” he said.

He recounted an incident where a woman complained about meat swelling in her pot.

“When she told us, we asked where she bought it. She admitted it was from the roadside. We told her we couldn’t help because it wasn’t from us. Meat from licensed abattoirs is 90% safe. People should shun roadside meat and illegal abattoirs.”

An official of the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that local governments have health inspectors trained to approve animal products from slaughterhouses for public consumption.

Comrade Omokaro, who recently toured slaughterhouses in the South-South geopolitical zone, decried the state of these facilities. “I discovered that, except perhaps in Rivers State where the government intervened, there is nothing to write home about. Nationwide, the state of slaughterhouses is appalling. The environment is unhygienic and unfit for what goes on there. A lot of Nigerians would stop eating meat if they saw these places.”

He also criticized local governments in Edo State for arbitrarily issuing licenses to unqualified individuals to operate abattoirs.

“Butchery is a profession. I was under my uncle’s tutelage for seven years, underwent medical tests, and only then was I issued a butcher’s license. These days, it’s not the case. Local governments must assess facilities before licensing them. In Edo, less than 20% of private abattoirs are fit for purpose.”

Omokaro warned about the acute shortage of veterinary doctors. “By law, every animal must be inspected before and after slaughter. But in Edo State, over 70% of animals are not inspected at all because we have only eight veterinary doctors—four in the field and four in the office. This is dangerous. If there were an epidemic today from meat consumption, it would be impossible to trace its source.”

“In the past, veterinary doctors were stationed at abattoirs, waiting to inspect animals before butchering. Ideally, each abattoir should have a resident veterinary doctor. Government must act fast before it’s too late.”

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.