Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Outrage is spreading across Abuja as residents raise alarm over fake kpomo (cow skin) allegedly flooding local markets.
The outcry follows reports that some vendors are selling donkey and hippo skins disguised as kpomo — processed with harmful chemicals.
In separate interviews with African Health Report on Wednesday at Dutse, under Bwari Area Council, Mrs Precious, a resident, said she noticed disturbing changes. “These days, kpomo doesn’t look or smell like real cow skin anymore. Many sellers are using donkey skin instead,” she lamented.
Another resident, Mama Bella, expressed dismay. “No wonder kpomo is so cheap now. I didn’t know it’s fake. I’ve stopped buying it. I’d rather use crayfish than risk my children’s health,” she said.
Locals allege that some fake kpomo is softened using melted tyres, rubber materials, and even paracetamol. “If you see how they process it, you’ll know it causes kidney failure,” another resident warned.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently seized ₦3.94 billion worth of donkey parts in Kaduna, part of a crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking. Comptroller Aminu Sule said: “This seizure is a clear warning to traffickers. We will not relent.”
Experts urge Nigerians to avoid unverified kpomo. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Murkta Maiha, warned: “Eating kpomo from unverified sources poses serious health risks. It’s better to avoid it than risk your life.”
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Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 