Butchers and traders at the Abattoir Market in Ilorin have staged a protest against a sudden increase in levies imposed by the Ilorin East local government authorities.

The Irepodun United Butchers Association of Nigeria, representing the protesters, condemned the abrupt rise in the daily levy for slaughtering, which escalated from N500 to N2,000 per cow.

Alhaji Moshood Abdulqodir, Chairman of the Association, speaking to Sobi FM's Toheeb Omotayo, criticised the authorities for implementing the increase without prior consultation or notice to stakeholders, demanding an immediate review of the policy.

According to him and two other butchers, the new rate was introduced by the local government chairman in collaboration with an unnamed investor, placing a heavier burden on their daily operations.

Another butcher, Mallam Kale Onimalu, noted that the increase comes amid a steep rise in the cost of living, worsening the financial strain and losses already faced by traders.