Lagos task force raids Agege ram market over illegal animal display

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Task Force on Monday raided the ram market at Agege, citing “indiscriminate and illegal” display of animals.

The operation, led by Chairman Shola Jejeloye and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed to address the “unhygienic and dangerous” activities of animal traders in the market.

According to a statement by Task Force spokesperson Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the traders’ activities posed a risk not only to buyers but also to commuters and vehicle operators along the axis.

During the raid, many animals were seized and taken to the Lagos State Abattoir for “proper livestock health verification and husbandry.”

The agency has vowed to continue monitoring and regulating animal markets across the state to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

“From this location, it is clear that these animals have not been properly barricaded from the road; therefore, it is very easy for one ram to lose control and jump onto the road, which could lead to an accident,” the statement read.

Kofoworola Oloritun, who heads enforcement and compliance at the Lagos Ministry of Environment, highlighted that roadside traders have breached environmental and agricultural regulations on multiple occasions.

According to Oloritun, animals must undergo inspection and certification to ensure they are healthy before being sold in the state.

She emphasised that the traders would be fined accordingly before receiving possession of the animals.

“We have issued warnings to these operators on several occasions, but they fell on deaf ears,” she added.