Ortom Orders Immediate Rehabilitation Of Abattoirs In Benue

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant agencies to immediately commence rehabilitation work on abattoirs across the state.

Mr Ortom, who expressed concerns over the health hazards in the processing of meat, using car tyres to roast cattle and goat for public consumption, commended Channels Television for its in-depth investigative reporting of the issue.

The Governor’s directive came two weeks after Channels Television’s broadcast of a report on the poor state of hygiene and public safety in the processing and consumption of meat in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The poor handling and processing of meat at the North Bank Cattle Market Abattoir, were highlighted in the report.

SEE WHAT BENUE’S WUKURUM ABATTOIR LOOKS LIKE.

Slaughtered cows, including emaciated animals are burned at the open field using car tyres and kerosene, a method the butchers consider fast and cheap.

Governor Ortom inspected the abattoir to see the situation of things.

On a return to the abattoir at Wurukum, the practice had not changed as cows were seen being butchered on bare floor with very poor hygiene in processing the meat.

A whole cow was slaughtered and spread on the floor as usual before it was dismembered and the process of retailing began. All these took place amidst the dirt and stagnant water.

The Chairman, Butchers Association Wurukum Abattoir, Gabriel Odah, explained some of the challenges to the Governor.

He also commended Channels Television for drawing government’s attention to their plight as he listed their needs.

Asked about what led to the deplorable condition of the state abattoir, the Divisional Officer for Livestock, Edward Amali, blamed it all on government bureaucracy.

Mr Ortom then held talks with the butchers on the need to desist from the harmful practices pending when a standard abattoir is built for them.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Governor Ortom expressed his appreciation to Channels Television’s objective reporting on the abattoir and ordered an immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the abattoirs.