Benue Bans Eating Of Rats Over Fear Of Lassa Fever

In order to curtail the spread of Lassa fever, the Benue state government has directed people in the state to desist from eating rats for the meantime.

Benue state government has banned the eating of rat

This directive was given by Governor Samuel Ortom at Aso Villa shortly after meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The governor explained that the step becomes necessary as the state had recorded a case of the virus, The Punch reports.

It was learnt that rat is a delicacy popular among the people of the state.

Ortom said: “Benue is affected; we have one case of Lassa Fever right now that is under control.

“We have advised our people that rat which is a major carrier, is a delicacy; I am finding it difficult but I have told them to suspend eating rats now until further notice.”

He also noted that he has decided to make agriculture the main priority programme of his administration because he had premonition early enough that a time would come when the nation would be face with dwindle revenue.

Meanwhile, the federal ministry of health had disclosed that about 35 persons had lost their lives since the outbreak of the disease in November 2015.

Also about 79 people were infected across eight states of Bauchi, Niger, Nasarawa, Kano, Rivers, Oyo and Edo.

He said that laboratory tests had confirmed that 14 people had tested positive for Lassa fever in the past six weeks.