Lagos State Taskforce has forestalled an epidemic outbreak in the Epe area of the State, where dozens of cartons filled with contaminated turkey were seized.
The contaminated products were seized by the Nigerian Customs Service and set ablaze at a dump site.
The syndicate, which was selling these products to unsuspecting Nigerians were busted after a tip-off from a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Rasheed Shabi and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun.
On receiving the intel, the officials of the Lagos State Taskforce swung into action. They raided the shanties, dumpsite and apprehended eight suspects with some of the contaminated turkeys and some harmful weapons.
Speaking on the incident, Animashaun, commended the Lagos State Taskforce on its swift response to the incident.
Animashaun said: “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 it is our responsibility to the citizenry to ensure sinister forces do not plunge the State into crisis for their 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 exercises to avoid official compromise and ensure the confiscated goods are thoroughly burnt before recovery by miscreants in the community.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP 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 to reintroduce products which have been condemned by a federal agency to find their way back into the market. Contaminated foods like this could cause cancer, lung or liver disease and so on. Consumption is highly dangerous and we are here to ensure that Lagosians are protected at all costs.”
Akerele disclosed that all contaminated goods were recovered and brought to the Headquarters of the Agency while the arrested suspects will be charged in court accordingly.
He commended Honourable Shabi and Oba Kamourudeen for the useful tipoff 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 concluded.
