Lagos declares war on rats, kills 4,400

The Lagos state chapter of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), on Monday said it had killed about 4,400 rats at six major markets in the state.

Samuel Akingbehin, president of the association, who told NAN that the exercise was carried out under its de-rat market programme, listed the markets as: Onigongbo, Oshodi, Oke-Odo, Ikotun Idanwo, Ojuwoye and Mile.

He said the programme was part of the association’s efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

“The exercise is strategic in our efforts toward the prevention of communicable diseases,” he said.

Akingbehin appealed to traders across the state to show an understanding towards the efforts of the association to rid the markets of rats and rodents.

He said the association has the objective to de-rat markets in one local government area per day, starting from 5pm, in order to allow traders and buyers transact their legitimate businesses.

“We also decided to put the exercise in the evening due to the nocturnal nature of rodents and our members had recorded successes in the markets visited till date,” he said.

“It took us about three hours to cover the Oshodi market when our members went there for the exercise.

“Today, Monday, we will be visiting Suru-Alaba Market in Orile-Ifelodun LCDA by 5pm. with about 400 EHOs to de-rat it.

“We are still calling on all other executive secretaries of the local government areas to assist us toward the elimination of rodents in our markets and our environments.”