Expert calls on butchers to embrace peaceful coexistence in abattoir

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Plateau State, Dr Sipak Shase’et has called on butchers in the state to focus on peaceful coexistence within the abattoir to enjoy government’s intervention.

According to Shase’et, the Federal Government, through Federal Ministry of Agriculture, had given butchers in the state a refrigerated meat van but because the union was not established, they were unable to access it.

He said, there was need for the newly elected union officials to work peacefully with members and the union officials should shoulder the responsibility of ensuring peaceful activities and to sensitise members to the new haulage system.

The vetinary doctor said, “The refrigerated meat van would address issues around meat haulage and concerns to ensure the safety of foods within the state.

“The meat would no longer be transported in wheelbarrows, open vans, pick-ups, among others within the state and that it was important for the union to coordinate activities peacefully to educate members.”

Shase’et said that the ministry, in collaboration with Bank of Agriculture, would give four more vans to the butchers in the state to ensure good spread.

“The state will further ensure that every local government area has one refrigerated meat van with time but all these can only be achieved in a peaceful environment, ” Shase’et said.

He added that on May 29, anyone caught transporting meat in contravention of modern meat haulage protocols would be prosecuted.

He, however, admonished the newly elected officials to work together with members to ensure peaceful coexistence, to avoid prosecution.