The Abia State Government is collaborating with experts to transform cow dung at the Lokpanta Regional Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area into biogas, which will be used to roast cow legs, heads, and skin.
Mr. Peter Ekekwe, Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for Abia North, revealed this during an inspection of the market’s hygiene levels and compliance with government directives requiring traders to remain within the fenced premises.
Ekekwe noted that consultations with experts are nearing completion and suggested the project could begin within a month. He criticized the ongoing use of tires for roasting meat, pointing out associated health risks, and stressed the importance of providing a safer option.
“We want to stop the use of tires in roasting animals. The only delay is because we want to come up with an alternative first. We are consulting with experts on the conversion of cow dung to biogas,” Ekekwe said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the market’s sanitation, particularly at the newly built abattoir. He instructed traders and butchers to observe strict hygiene practices and warned that the current level of uncleanliness would no longer be accepted by the government.
“I’m not impressed with the sanitary situation in the market, especially at the abattoir. They can do much better,” he stated.
Ekekwe further issued a seven-day ultimatum to traders operating shops outside the fenced market, instructing them to relocate inside the market or risk having their structures demolished. He criticized the lack of compliance with earlier directives and affirmed that any remaining external structures would be removed after the deadline.
‘We want every trader here to be inside the market and not outside. By next week, we will demolish all shops and goat markets outside the fence if they are not removed,” he warned.
According to Ekekwe, fencing the market contributes to improved security, controlled access, and a more attractive environment. He commended Governor Alex Otti for his support and encouraged traders to align with the government’s policies.
Vice Chairman of the cattle market, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdullmidu, acknowledged the government’s backing and pledged the traders’ cooperation. He said the initial resistance to the fence stemmed from fears of eviction, but confidence in the government’s intentions has since grown with the improvement in security.
“We are happy now with what the government is doing, and we’ll obey everything they tell us to do. Initially, we thought they were going to pursue us out of this place. But now we’re convinced the government means well for us,” Abdullmidu stated.
He reaffirmed the traders’ support for Governor Otti’s administration and praised the enhanced safety in and around the market, including along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
