Medical association shuts down shop it runs illegally in Kogi for quackery services – THIS UPDATE

By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State chapter, has shut down a veterinary shop, Geo-Vex Agroventure, in Sango community, Kabba, for operating illegally and providing quack services to unsuspecting customers.

The store was found to be mixing antibiotics in plastic bottles and storing vaccines improperly, putting the health of both animals and humans at risk.

Dr Tolu Samuel Omotugba, Chairman of NVMA Kogi State, while addressing journalists on Friday at Kabba, said the action was taken after receiving a petition and verifying illicit activities at the venue.

“The perpetrator had no trained veterinary surgeon or animal health scientist and was simply running a buying and selling business without regard to professional ethics,” Dr Omotugba said.

Dr Omotugba, who also serves as the vice-chairman of the Veterinary Premises Regulatory Committee of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) in Kogi, said the action would serve as a warning to others operating in a similar manner and would ensure that only qualified professionals provide veterinary services.

The NVMA president advised farmers to patronize reputable veterinary facilities and avoid purchasing drugs from unauthorized sources to prevent health risks to their animals and humans.

“They should stop buying drugs mixed in plastic bottles, because they cause serious problems and toxicity in animals,” he said.

Dr Musa Gomina Mohammed, secretary of the NVMA, explained that the shop was closed due to risks associated with the seller’s practices, including drug resistance in humans.

“The seller mixed drugs without regard for proper protocols, putting human and animal health at risk,” Dr Mohammed said.

He added that the association had advised the seller to register his premises but he failed to comply.

The seller, Mr Geoffrey Offorha, owner of Geo-Vex Agroventure, said he had started the registration process and met the necessary requirements, but was awaiting approval.

“I was told to wait for further communication, but I never received any follow-up,” Offorha said,

Offorha added that he will visit the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja to address the issue.

The NVMA urged sellers of veterinary medicines to register their premises and hire licensed veterinarians to supervise their businesses.

The association highlighted the importance of adequate regulation to curb quackery and antimicrobial resistance.

Our correspondent who has been monitoring the store closure reports that area residents have praised the NVMA for the action.

They stressed that it would serve as a deterrent to other perpetrators of such unlawful act.

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