By Nchendzengang Tatah
The local population of Bakingili, South West region may contract infections if they consume the meat of an elephant found dead in the area on January 16, conservation officials say.
The lifeless animal presumed to have died on it’s own, was butchered into pieces same day of it’s discovery by the population. It is said to have housed large maggots when it was observed few hours after it died. Conservative specialist from the Limbe Zoological Garden suggest that it was home to the maggots while alive.
Dr Etta Agbor Hans, a conservator , said a mix team arrived the site few hours after the elephant died, carried out observations and extracted samples which are undergoing tests. He however warned that, the population should not consume the meat for fear of devastating health consequences.
Unfortunately, Dr Etta noted that the population did not adhere to their warning on the site. He further stated that the relinquishing of the animal to the population for consumption was done in disregard of existing forestry guidelines. “Those who have collected parts of the animal should know that they did it in violation of the law,” Etta Agbor said.