DOG MEAT PEPPER SOUP: _ A Delicacy Of The Okpameris In Akoko-Edo
By DADA AYOKHAI
The period also calls for merriments and the eating of all sort of delicacies, ranging from chicken to cow meat.
In Akoko Edo local government area of Edo State there is one particular type of meat_ Dog meats_ that is unique to a section of the people. The Christmas festivity would never have been complete without the consumption of dog meat pepper soup.
Dog meat pepper soup is a main delicacy in some areas of Akoko-Edo . Indeed, part of Akoko Edo landscape is dotted with various sizes of restaurants and bars where the dog meat delicacy is served its patrons.
One of them, Awillo bar, opposite the famous Dr Igbodaga house, is a popular joint in Igarra town and is operated by a young man in his 40s, Shegun Ezekiel. The bar is highly patronised by clients of different ages and sex.
Shegun Ezekiel, who confided in our reporter that he has been in the business of preparing the dog meat delicacy in the past 15 years, said it is a lucrative, stressing a plate of the dog meat delicacy sells for between 100 and 200 naira depending on size.
He also added that in a day,he slaughters an average of 4 or 5 dogs a day, depending on the level of patronage.
However, unlike other restaurants where customers first make enquiries to know if the food is ready, owners of the dog meat bars fly a red flag to indicate that the dog meat delicacy is ready for savouring.
Some of the dog meat patrons who spoke with our reportorial crew described the delicacy as "medicinal", saying it's an antidote for malaria.
They explained further that both the dog meat and its sauce is even tastier than chicken, cow and other meats that many people are used to.
This assertion was corroborated by Shegun Ezekiel who confirmed that most of the condiments used in the preparation of the sauce are natural vegetables with the potency to cleanse the body of toxics which causes malaria.
The dog meat delicacy is either sold as pepper soup or dried meat.
As a matter of fact, the dog meat delicacy is a booming business in Akoko Edo local government area, with Ibbillo, Aiyegunle accounting for the bulk.
Other towns and their adjoining villages also boast of bars and restaurants where the dog meat delicacy is openly displayed and sold along the major streets and highways.
A source who is familiar with the history behind the dog meat delicacy in Akoko Edo, noted that Okpameri people, who can be found in virtually all the towns and communities that make up Akoko Edo such as Ibillo, Lampese, Ekor, Bekuma, Ekpelmoga, Aiyegunle, Ogugu, ojah, ojirami and others, are famous for their dog meat eating habit.
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