An unknown illness has killed dozens of fish in River Ibi in Ibi local government area of Taraba state.
The paramount ruler of Ibi chiefdom, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Bawuro III stated this Sunday while speaking to journalists in his palace at Ibi. He said immediately he was informed about the ugly incident, he reported the issue to the state government for prompt action.
He maintained that the state government as a matter of urgency sent a delegation from the ministry of agriculture to find out the cause of the diseases.
He said, “It was reported to me that fishes were dying in our river and I quickly took action because if you see today, Lassa fever is an illness that is given Nigeria serious problem.”
“Even the Coronavirus that is today a global health issue is something that nobody can authoritatively say the root cause of the diseases.
“So, I can’t sit down and allow my people consume what will become problem tomorrow.”
Also speaking, the chairman, Fish Sellers Association in Ibi, Danlami Sale, said this would be the first time they would experience the strange thing in their river.
He urged government to wade into the matter as many of them have lost customers because of the disease.
“Most of us here depend on fishing business as source of livelihood.
“This type of disease that is killing our fishes in the river is yet to be identified,” he stressed.
On his part, the chairman, care taker committee of Ibi LGA, Mr Bala Bako, said fishermen, especially in River Benue, discovered some spots on the fish and reported to him.
