Lagos State Taskforce today seized dozens of cartons of contaminated turkey previously discarded by the Nigerian Customs Service and set ablazed at a dumpsite, which somehow found its way into the hands of some people who tried to sell them to members of the public.
Following tip offs from a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rasheed Shabi and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, officials of the Lagos State Taskforce swung into action and raided the shanties close to the Epe dumpsite. They arrested eight suspects with some of the contaminated turkey and some harmful weapons.
Oba Kamorudeen commended the Lagos State Taskforce on its swift response to the incident which, he claimed could result in nationwide epidemic if left unchecked.
“I am glad this menace has been nipped in the bud before it blows out of proportion. The State is currently battling to contain the cholera outbreak in some parts of the metropolis so we need not compound the issues rather its our responsibility to the citizenry to ensure sinister forces do not plunge the State into crisis for their own selfish gains.”
The Oloja further admonished the Nigerian Customs Service to seek the support of sister agencies like the Police, Military, DSS and LAWMA when carrying out exhibit burning exercise to avoid compromise and ensure the confiscated goods are thoroughly burnt beyond recovery by miscreants.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Adetayo Akerele who led the operation said that goods confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service must have failed at some point to meet the required health and safety standards before being deemed unfit for human consumption which led to it being set ablaze at a dedicated dumpsite.
“We cannot allow some ignorant individuals reintroduce products which have been condemned by a federal agency to find its way back into the market. Contaminated foods like this could cause cancer, lungs or liver disease and so on. Consumption is highly dangerous and we are here to ensure that Lagosians are protected at all cost.”
Akerele disclosed that all contaminated goods recovered and brought to the Headquarters of the Agency while the arrested suspects will be charged to court accordingly.
He commended Shabi and Oba Kamourudeen for the useful tip-off which helped avert a disaster and appealed to the general public to continually make use of our feedback channels communicated through the “see something, say something” campaign.
“Collectively, we will keep lagos safe, serene and habitable for all.” Akerele said.
