Ebonyi Uncovers Poisonous Rice, Seals Off Abakaliki Rice Mill
By Joyce Onuora Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Government, has directed that Abakaliki Rice Mill be
sealed off with immediate effect in order to carry out full
investigation over the adulterated rice uncovered at the mill site.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Dr.
kenneth Ugbala disclosed to newsmen on the outcome of the State
Executive Council Meeting on Tuesday, at the Government House
Abakaliki.
Noting that Governor Umahi has directed the sealing off of
the Abakaliki rice mill till further notice came after the report
from the Ministry of Environment alleging that poisonous rice was
discovered at the mill, which was very dangerous to human health
“We are Sealing off the mill to enable the MDA’s ie. Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and
Internal Security department of the government to carry out thorough
investigation about the adulterated and poisonous rice brought to the rice
mill which the Ministry of Environment has made the EXCO members to understand
that it is not healthy for human consumption.
“This is very important because the government of today attach much
value to lives and properties of the people and would always stand up
to protect them.” he said.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator
Emmanuel Onwe who also clarified the correctness of the report and
revealed that they were able to see bags of rice with labels that has
“Not fit for human consumption” on it and this resulted in the EXCO decision
and directive for the immediate sealing off the rice mill to enable
further investigations carried out without risking the lives and
properties of Ebonyians and others who do their businesses in the
market.
A visit to the mill shows that it has been sealed by state government officials Tuesday evening.
