The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has uncovered a suspected production and distribution hub for fake, chemically treated kpomo at New Benin Market in Benin City.
The operation took place in the early hours of Sunday, November 9, following a tip-off about some women allegedly producing and selling unhygienically processed kpomo, a popular Nigerian delicacy made from cow skin.
Speaking on the development, the committee’s chairman, Osaro Iyamu, said officials acted on information received about the suspicious activities and moved to the market to investigate.
Iyamu disclosed that two women were arrested at Efehi Street Junction with quantities of the suspected adulterated and offensive products, while other individuals allegedly involved in the business fled before they could be apprehended.
He further explained that following the arrests, some market women operating in nearby clusters admitted to engaging in the questionable business.
The committee chairman confirmed that the two arrested suspects had been handed over to the police and were being detained for further investigation.
The discovery has raised concerns about food safety and the potential health risks associated with the consumption of chemically treated or unhygienically processed kpomo.
The committee is expected to work with relevant authorities to investigate the operation and identify other individuals who may be involved in the suspected production and distribution network.
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