Abia govt orders health officers to inspect all abattoirs over disease risks
Abia State Government has directed its environmental health officers to urgently inspect all abattoirs across the state and to stop butchers from using vehicle tyres to roast animal skin, popularly known as “kanda.” It also warned that roasting of animal skin with tyres posed serious public health risks for the citizens, including cancer threat. Commissioner […] Abia govt orders health officers…
The Abia State Government has mandated its environmental health officers to conduct immediate inspections of all abattoirs within the state, with a particular focus on halting the practice of butchers roasting animal skin over vehicle tyres. This measure, known colloquially as “kanda,” has been deemed a significant public health risk, including the potential threat of cancer.
Speaking during a meeting in Aba on Thursday, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, emphasized the need for stringent adherence to environmental and health standards at abattoirs. He directed officers to enforce the government’s directive that has resulted in the removal of sand miners and dredgers from Umuigwe and Uratta communities in Osisioma, as the Aba master plan prohibits sand mining activities in the area.
Ogbonna also urged the health officers to intensify public awareness campaigns on proper sanitation practices and to educate residents on the importance of maintaining clean and healthy environments. Earlier, Abia State President of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Obieze Odimuko, and Treasurer, Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwigwe, revealed that the officers have conducted inspections in 1,382 villages and 79,955 premises.
During this period, they issued 50,236 abatement notices, recorded compliance in 22,143 cases, and prosecuted 2,559 defaulters between June 2025 and August 2026.
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