The Bayelsa State Government has issued a strong warning about the health risks associated with consuming dead whales, as it has the potential for mercury poisoning, News About Nigeria reports.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Toyin Azebi, made this announcement on Thursday during a press briefing following a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunisation and Health Services.
This warning comes in response to reports that residents of Okpoama in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have butchered a dead whale for food.
The whale, found by the seaside community, was quickly cut up by locals using machetes, hacksaws, and axes.
The dead whale, approximately 15 metres long, five metres wide, and three metres high, was discovered on the beach on Wednesday morning.
It is believed to have been brought in by the high tide on Tuesday night and left on the shore as the sea receded at low tide.
Tarinyo Akono, a community source and former state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, confirmed to newsmen that the whale was already dead when found, having been out of the water all night.
Seiyefa Felix Ben-Basuo, the youth president of Okpoama, also confirmed the butchering activity, noting that residents were actively cutting the animal into pieces at the seaside.
This incident mirrors a similar event five years ago in August 2019, when a giant whale stranded in the same community was butchered by locals for food.
Azebi emphasised the severe health risks of consuming whale meat, particularly dead whales, due to the potential for mercury contamination.
Mercury poisoning can cause health issues, including neurological and developmental problems.
