Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating criminal activities and improving hygiene standards at the Lokpanta Cattle market in Umuchieze, Umunneochi LGA of the state.
During an impromptu visit on Sunday to inspect the ongoing perimeter fencing projects around the cattle market while returning from Enugu, Governor Otti expressed concern over the unsanitary conditions of the market.
He urged traders to prioritize cleanliness in their environment, particularly in the abattoir section, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of illnesses.
Otti remarked, “I stopped around the abattoir and I found that the place is very dirty and smelly. So, we have to ensure that it is clean because it is what people eat.
“If they get contaminated, people will fall sick, and you don’t want to sell your cattle, sell your meat and somebody eats it and gets sick. So, you have a responsibility to keep the abattoir and everywhere you are clean.”
Furthermore, Otti outlined plans to transform the market into a non-residential trading environment. He assured genuine traders of government protection and support while urging them to cooperate in identifying and removing criminals from the area.
Otti emphasized, “So, everyone who is doing a legitimate business, the government will protect you. What we don’t want are criminals.
“You must fish out every criminal because the day they will attack, they may be attacking you. Criminals don’t ask where you come from, what religion or what language you speak,” he added.
