By Our Reporter
Security operatives under the Udo Ga Chi Squad have intercepted two tricycles and a shuttle bus loaded with dead cows and goats allegedly used for ritual purposes at the Omambala River in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The interception, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, followed weeks of surveillance by the community security team after reports of dead animals being transported into Onitsha markets for resale.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the carcasses from the Omambala River to a woman in Onitsha, who allegedly ordered them for resale to butchers and slaughterhouses in the city.
Community sources alleged that the merchants had been bribing some security operatives with between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 to smuggle the hazardous meat into the markets at night.
However, members of the Udo Ga Chi security team stationed at Umueri reportedly rejected such offers and detained the suspects for questioning.
The Chief Security Officer of Umudiana-Umueri and member of the Udo Ga Chi team, Mr Chukwunonso Nnete, told NAN that the suspects confessed to sourcing the dead animals from Agbanabu-Ezu na Omambala, a river where ritual activities are allegedly performed.
“The tricycle operators said some young men who specialize in retrieving dead animals from the river usually inform them when such materials are available.
“They then transport them to Onitsha, where a woman stores them in a cold room before distributing them to meat dealers and food vendors,” he said.
“The suspects pleaded for release and offered a ₦100,000 bribe, allegedly on behalf of the Onitsha woman, which the operatives rejected.
“When we insisted that she must come and explain herself, she stopped taking calls,” he added.
Nnete said the suspects, including a woman who specialized in buying chickens and goats used for sacrifices, were handed over to the police for further investigation.
Reacting to the development, the President-General of Umueri community, Chief John Metchie, commended the vigilance and integrity of the Udo Ga Chi security operatives.
“We are proud of our local security team for safeguarding the community and protecting public health.
“Umueri remains a peaceful and investment-friendly community, as affirmed by several investors, including Reapfold Properties Limited,” he said.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.