A food trader at Ekiosa Market in Benin City, Edo State, has reportedly been arrested after allegedly using a chemical known as Sniper to treat beans meant for sale to unsuspecting customers.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians expressing concern over the potential health risks associated with the alleged practice and calling for stronger monitoring of food products in markets.
One social media user described the incident as disturbing, arguing that the issue should not be viewed as an isolated case.
“This news is truly horrifying and rightly sparks anger. But we’re missing the bigger picture if we only focus on one individual. The real fear is how normalized these extreme acts of desperation have become across various sectors, unmonitored.”
Another user alleged that some traders use chemicals to protect stored food items from pests, while questioning how widespread the practice may be.
“How about the one tied in cloth and placed inside sack of beans, maize etc to prevent weevils. Most market people do it, same chemical is used to kill rats.”
Another commenter claimed that the practice was common among some wholesale bean sellers, writing:
“Almost all of them that are selling beans in wholesale are using it to preserve it.”
Meanwhile, another social media user called for the suspect to face the full consequences of the law if found guilty.
“If this country really upholds law and order, I will go back to bed with a strong belief that this trader will be arrested to face the wrath of the law.
“I hope they won’t just release him like that after collecting bribe against the lives of millions of people in Nigeria.”
