Bayelsa Govt Raises Alarm Over Fake Products in Markets

The Bayelsa State Government has warned residents about the rising influx of fake drugs, drinks, and cosmetics in local markets, linking them to increased cases of liver, kidney, and lung diseases.

Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mr. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the situation as a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention.

Speaking in Yenagoa on Sunday, Koku-Obiyai explained that several state agencies — including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Environmental Sanitation Authority, and the Consumer Protection Unit of the Ministry of Trade and Investment — are already working to combat the menace.

She revealed that some offenders had been arrested and prosecuted, while confiscated goods were destroyed to safeguard the public.

“For us as a government, we want the people of Bayelsa to remain healthy. Anything we can prevent, we will prevent. Working with all relevant agencies, we believe we can stop the influx of these harmful products,”she said.