Taraba Warns of ‘Merchants of Death’ Using Toxic Chemicals to Ripen Fruits as Health Fears Grow

Residents of Taraba State have been urged to avoid fruits suspected to be ripened with dangerous chemicals, following a fresh alert from the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Namessan Oliver, who described perpetrators as “merchants of death.”

The commissioner said an investigation by the ministry uncovered the widespread use of calcium carbide to force-ripen fruits such as bananas, oranges, mangoes and avocados across local markets.

He warned that the substance contains highly toxic impurities, including arsenic, lead and phosphorus — chemicals capable of triggering cancer, and severe damage to the heart, kidneys and liver.

According to him, fruits exposed to calcium carbide not only become hazardous but also lose their natural taste, colour, and nutritional value, making them unsafe and inferior for consumption.

Professor Oliver urged residents to carefully inspect fruits before purchase and to prioritise naturally ripened produce. He stressed that ongoing public sensitisation was crucial to combating the illegal practice, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.

A recent Guardian report revealed cleaner facilities, improved sanitation, and butchers who now handle meat with stricter hygiene standards after a three-day capacity-building programme.

James Habila, Secretary of the Taraba State Butchers Association, said the training was already yielding results.
“We now understand proper handling and storage of meat and meat products. Cleanliness and sanitation in our slaughter slabs have improved greatly,” he said.

At the Zing Local Government Council, local association chairman Mohammadu Saforo Dan’Arewa praised L-PRES for investing in the skills of butchers and reducing long-standing health risks caused by poor meat-handling practices.