Butchers charged to maintain COVID-19 protocols in abattoirs

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) has sensitised butchers in abattoirs and livestock markets, across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in order to enable them comply with the established COVID-19 guidelines.
Also the ARDS secretariat directed its animal health officials to ensure that all stakeholders comply with the protocols, as part of the proactive steps in the fight against the pandemic.
Speaking during a recent visit to Karu Abattoir, ARDS Acting Secretary, Mr. Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, informed the butchers that the guidelines in livestock markets and abattoirs were aimed at safeguarding the lives of the populace.
According to him, the sensitisation was aimed at creating awareness among butchers, so as to minimise the risks of COVID-19 transmission in the abattoirs.
“People will want to buy livestock and there is need to avoid overcrowding during the hustle and bustle of this period, in a bid to meet up with the seasons demand.
“In the light of this, our animal health officials, as well as livestock officers have been fully mobilized to enforce compliance,” he stated.
The ARDS boss also enjoined the butchers and residents to always cooperate with government to curtail the spread of the virus, even as he revealed that the administration is working towards ensuring a proper and modern abattoir system, befitting for the FCT.
On his part, a representative of the chairman of Karu Butchers Association, Mallam Mustapha Catcher, thanked the administration for its efforts in combating the pandemic.
He revealed that the association has set up a task team, with the sole aim of ensuring that members comply with the safety measures.