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COVID-19 outbreak proves pangolin, wildlife trafficking harmful – UNODC

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COVID-19 outbreak proves pangolin, wildlife trafficking harmful – UNODC

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has joined others to cautions the World on the harmful effects of wildlife trafficking on both humans and animals.

A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday said that wildlife such as bats and pangolins which are mainly trafficked from Africa, has been linked to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement issued by Sylvester Atere, Outreach and Communications Officer, UNODC Nigeria quoted Executive Director, Ghada Waly as saying that wildlife trafficking contributed largely to many infectious diseases transferred from animals to humans.

The UN agency noted that wildlife, especially pangolins were killed for their meat and their scales, which have been used medicinally in both Asia and Africa.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 has been linked to a coronavirus originating in wild bats that jumped to people via an intermediary animal, with pangolins among the leading suspects.

“The wild meat of pangolins is considered a delicacy, sold in wet markets, which could have served as a possible ground zero for the virus.

“Wildlife trafficking contributes to the tragedy, making it a threat not only to the environment and our natural heritage, but to human health and security.

“Wildlife crime endangers the health of our planet and our own health.

“Pangolins offer no threat to humans in their own habitat, but allowing them to be trafficked, slaughtered and sold in illicit markets along with other wild species greatly increases the risk of transmission of viruses and other pathogens.

“For the sake of preserving biodiversity and preventing the next public health emergency, the illegal wildlife trade must stop,” Waly said.

Also read:  Trump to temporarily suspend immigration into U.S. amid pandemic

The UN body noted that pangolins were the most trafficked mammal in the world, with seizures of illegal cargo having increased tenfold since 2014, according to UNODC’s research released to mark the International Mother Earth Day.

According to the research, estimates of how many pangolins have been illegally traded in recent years are difficult to calculate given that seizures represent only a small fraction of the animals killed.

“However, the magnitude of the illegal trade based on seizure records suggests that wild sourcing is unsustainable, while breeding of pangolins in captivity at commercial scale is currently not possible.

“Between 2014 and 2018, the equivalent of 370,000 pangolins were seized globally, suggesting that millions have been trafficked and killed.

“UNODC research shows that the source of seized pangolins is primarily West and Central Africa, and more specifically Nigeria. Illegal pangolin trade in Nigeria seems to have grown significantly in recent years.

“The country was the reported provenance of at least 51 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in 2019 (compared to two tonnes in 2015). Nigeria is the primary point of export of pangolin shipments as close to 60 per cent of global pangolin scale seizures could be traced back to Nigeria as the source of shipping.

“Out of 11 notable seizures made in 2019 and mentioned in the report, seven had Nigeria as reported origin country,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that according to the UN, One new infectious disease emerges in humans every 4 months. 75 per cent  of these emerging diseases come from animals.

The International Mother Earth Day was established in 2009, by the General Assembly under Resolution A/RES/63/278.

It recognised that “the Earth and its ecosystems are our home” and that “it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.

“The term Mother Earth is used because it “reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit”.

 

Health and Safety

Lagos Building Collapses Under Intense Fire

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Lagos Building Collapses Under Intense Fire

One of five buildings that caught fire at Dosumu Market, Off Idumagbo, Lagos, on Tuesday, has collapsed due to the impact of the fire.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

He, however, said the cause of the fire was unknown, and that investigation was ongoing to determine it.

The firefighters are currently battling to put out the inferno.

More details to follow. 

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Health and Safety

EFCC Investigates 8 Over Alleged Illegal Oil Bunkering in A’Ibom

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EFCC Investigates 8 Over Alleged Illegal Oil Bunkering in A’Ibom

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command, says it has begun the investigation of eight persons over alleged illegal oil bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom.

EFCC Spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday.

Oyewale who did not name the suspects said they were caught dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licencing.

He said that the suspects were arrested by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka on Feb. 23 while onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine.

The spokesman further said that the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to the commission on April 3 by the Commanding Officer, FOB Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke.

”They were arrested in a boat laden with 30,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, stored in four plastic tanks,” he said.

Oyewale pledged the commitment of the commission to carry out a thorough investigation on the matter.

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Health and Safety

Eid-el-Fitr: NSCDC deploys 800 personnel for adequate security in Ondo

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Eid-el-Fitr: NSCDC deploys 800 personnel for adequate security in Ondo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 800 personnel to provide adequate security during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Ondo state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr, Oluyemi Ibiloye, the Ondo State Commandant of NSCDC, made available to newsmen on Monday in Akure.

Ibiloye said that the deployment was to prevent any untoward incidents within the state during the celebration.

According to him, the personnel drawn from the tactical unit, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Armed Squad will be at the Eid prayer grounds and on road patrols in the 18 LGA.

Ibiloye said that the operational order has been issued to all heads of formations and tactical units to ensure adequate security coverage for both human and material assets.

“The command, under my watch is ready to ensure the safety of lives, safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure and respond promptly to emergencies.

“To be able to do these and more, we will need your support in area of actionable information.

“So, the deployment of operatives is aimed at discouraging potential criminal activities and to also provide security coverage for residents and all the praying grounds in the 18 local governments of the state,” he said.

Ibiloye congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and encouraged them to imbibe the spirit of the season by showing love.

He also urged them to practice the lessons learnt during the holy month.

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