Health officers in Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, have seized a large amount of animal skin suspected to be soaked in chemicals and sold as pomo (also called ponmo or cow skin). The officers say this is not real cow skin. It is a different kind of dried, leather-like skin that has been treated with chemicals before being sold to customers.
A video shared online shows a health officer explaining what happened during the market inspection. She said the product looks like normal pomo, but it is not the same thing at all. According to her, it is the type of dried skin used to make leather clothes and other leather items. Traders were allegedly soaking this skin in chemicals to make it look and feel like real cow skin before selling it as food.
What the Officer Said
The officer said they do not yet know the exact chemical used on the skin. But she was clear about one thing: the product is not safe to eat. She explained that, unlike real pomo, this product has no nutrients at all. Instead, it can harm a person’s immune system and cause serious health problems that could put them in the hospital.
She also explained what happens next. The seized product will be counted and then officially destroyed so it cannot go back to any market. The traders involved will be given a warning letter, called a condemnation certificate, and told never to bring the product back again.
This Has Happened Before
This is not the first time something like this has been found in Nigeria. Similar cases have happened before:
In 2019, NAFDAC seized 120 tons of imported pomo in Lagos and arrested seven people connected to it.
In the same year, Lagos Police arrested six people and recovered a truck full of poisonous pomo, along with the chemicals used to treat it.
Also in 2019, three traders were arrested in Ojo and Iba areas of Lagos over poisonous pomo. Samples were sent to NAFDAC for testing.
In 2021, an investigation found that some pomo sellers roast cow skin using tyres, plastics, and used engine oil. This exposes people who eat it to dangerous, cancer-causing chemicals.
Why Some Traders Do This
Experts say some traders soak animal skin in chemicals like formaldehyde. This stops the skin from spoiling quickly. It also makes the skin swell up and look bigger, so buyers think they are getting more meat for their money.
Health Risks
Doctors and health experts warn that eating chemical-treated pomo can cause serious harm. This includes damage to the liver, kidney, and heart. It can also increase the risk of cancer. Some of these chemicals can even affect the nervous system over time.
What Health Officers Are Advising
The officer in the video spoke directly to the people of Uromi. She asked that anyone who sees this kind of product in the market should report it right away. They can report it to the health office or to any security officer nearby. She also warned residents not to buy any pomo or animal skin that looks strange or suspicious.
My Take
This case is a strong reminder that not everything sold in our markets as food is actually safe to eat. The health officers did a good job catching this before it got into more homes. But this cannot be a one-time thing. If fake pomo made from chemically treated skin is being sold in Uromi, it is likely happening in other markets too, without anyone noticing. Regular checks by health officers, more public awareness, and quick reporting from residents are what will really keep families safe. It should not take a viral video for something this serious to get the attention it deserves.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
