The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has uncovered two abattoirs used primarily for slaughtering donkeys in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, Coordinator of the NESREA Adamawa Field Office, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Friday in Yola.
The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment) Act 2017 stipulates strict operational guidelines for donkey slaughtering and abattoir facilities.
Aliyu said the abattoirs are located in Muchalla and Kwanta Muchalla villages in Gombi LGA.
“Following a tip-off by concerned citizens, the agency carried out an investigative visit to the suspected locations in Muchalla and Kwanta Muchalla villages,” he said.
“During the investigation, we discovered two local abattoirs being used as donkey slaughtering sites.”
He revealed that more than 20 workers operate at the sites, with about 50 donkeys slaughtered weekly.
Aliyu noted that the facilities are privately owned and the operators claimed to have obtained permits from the Gombi Local Government Council, the State Ministry for Livestock, and the Gombi Chiefdom.
He expressed concern that the mass commercial slaughter of donkeys in the state is alarming and could lead to their extinction.
Mr. ThankGod Stumpit, who identified himself as Manager of the slaughter sites, told reporters he had been in the business for the past four years.
“We are doing this business with the consent and permission of the Gombi Local Government Authority, and we pay revenue to them. The state government, police, and Gombi Traditional Council are all aware of the business,” Stumpit said.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry for Livestock Development, Dr. Sulaiman Aminu, denied knowledge of the activity.
“It is not true. The ministry is not aware of this illicit activity, and no permit was issued. We have a dedicated unit responsible for fighting against endangered animal species. We will investigate the matter and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of the law,” Sulaiman said.
The Adamawa/Taraba Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has, from 2023 to date, seized and destroyed over 3,712 pieces of donkey hide/skin in line with Schedule 15 of the NCS Act 2023.
