The Lagos government says it has shut down two abattoirs operating illegally in the state.

Abiola Olusanya, Lagos commissioner for agriculture who confirmed the development, said three butchers were arrested at one of the abattoirs during an inspection visit on Wednesday.

Olusanya added that the meat confiscated from the illegal facilities were donated to an orphanage and a correctional home, respectively, after the carcasses were determined for consumption.

In a statement by the state government, Olusanya explained that the illegal sheep and goat slaughter slabs are located at the New Alade market, behind Mobil filling station, off Oregun road, another at Idi Ogbo, Eleko, Ibeju Lekki.

The carcass from New Alade market was donated to the Little Saints Orphanage at Abule Egba, while that of the slaughter slab at Ibeju Lekki was given to the Bab-Es-Salam Home and Correctional Home for Boys, Oregun.

“Today, our Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) Team dislodged an illegal sheep and goat slaughter slab at the New Alade Market, Oregun. During the operation, three butchers were arrested. Also, 29 live goats, three live sheep, 14 slaughtered goats as well a meat carcass weighing 30 kg were confiscated. The confiscated carcass has been confirmed safe by our doctors and we have donated it to Little Saints Orphanage, Abule Egba,” Olusanya said.

“You will recall that the MEC Team resumed its activities last week after it was suspended last year following the unrest that accompanied the #EndSARS protest.

“Last year, there was an option of a fine on confiscated live animals but this year, it will not be so. All confiscated live animals will be auctioned at the Mobile Court of the Task Force Office and all arrested offenders will be duly prosecuted.”

The commissioner, however, called on butchers in the state to carry out their activities in hygienic environments, just as she urged Lagos residents to “only patronise approved meat shops and abattoirs”.