Benin City, June 17, 2025 — The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of butchers’ associations and unions operating in abattoirs and slaughterhouses across the state.
This directive, announced on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, comes in response to what the government described as “disturbing reports” of extortionist practices by some members of the associations.
According to the government, these butchers allegedly fix arbitrary limits on the number of animals to be slaughtered daily and impose illegal levies, leading to a sharp increase in the prices of meat in markets across the state.
“The action of these few individuals is not only detrimental to the good people of Edo State but opposes the principle of a free market economy that should be driven by the forces of demand and supply,” the statement read.
The state government condemned the activities as “inimical” and vowed not to allow any group to “hold the state to ransom.”
This action follows a similar directive issued on November 19, 2024, which suspended the activities of all market unions in Edo State. The government reaffirmed that this suspension remains in place and warned that anyone found disguising as market union leaders or flouting the directive will be sanctioned.
Security agencies have reportedly been placed on high alert to enforce compliance with the new directive.
