Ebonyi state government has directed the immediate closure of the infamous Abakaliki rice mill after it discovered some bags of adulterated and poisonous rice allegedly found at the rice mill.
The state government also said it has initiated investigation into the matter.
At a joint press briefing organised by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, he said the decision to seal the mill was reached at this week state executive council.
“We do not know where the rice was adulterated or poisoned and the state of the poison but what we know is that it was reported to the state commissioner of Environment who brought the matter to the state executive council.
“On the bag brought it was boldly writing ‘Not Fit For Human Consumption,’ Now, the government has taken adequate step and directed that the line ministries should investigate the matter.
“The order to seal the Abakaliki rice mill is to protect the lives of the people; as a responsible government that is what we have done”, he stressed.
