To conserve wildlife across the country, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo State has destroyed 1,015 sacks of dried donkey meat and skin.
In a statement by Zone C, Public Relations Officer, Jerry Attah, said that the contraband was seized in two months dating July 15 to September 15, 2024.
The contraband wreckage by destruction was witnessed by representatives of other regulatory agencies, Attah said quoting the Comptroller Michael Ugbagu, who oversees NCS, FOU, Zone C.
He said that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), prohibits the trade in donkeys.
“The National Council on Agricultural and Rural Development in 2017 has also banned the large-scale slaughter of donkeys in the country to prevent their extinction.
‘But as you may be aware, donkey parts are highly valued in Asia, particularly in China, where they are used for consumption and medical purposes.
“We cannot afford to lose our donkeys on the altar of illicit exports, especially considering their economic importance for agricultural purposes”.
Ugbagu issued a stern warning to smugglers planning illegal activities during the ember months, stating that its officers would remain vigilant and committed to enforcing the law.