In many parts of the world, a dog is generally agreed to be man’s best friend. However, that assertion differs when one brings the conversation to the south-south region of Nigeria where dog meat is a delicacy.
While some Nigerian tribes consider eating dogs as a taboo, the Efiks in Calabar and other tribes in Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom States consider it very normal.
In fact, they have tailored names for this dog meat delicacy such as ‘404’, ‘J5’, ‘pepperoni’, among others. In essence, eating dog meat is a way of life for them.
Those who are in love with the dish would tell you bluntly that it is a delicacy that goes smoothly with beer. However, one of the major reasons for the Efiks consuming dog meat is that it is associated with medicinal and healing power.
The Efik-Ibibio reside in the South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Almost all Efik-Ibibio clans and sub-clans are located on river banks or creeks. The cooking prowess of the people is respected throughout the country and is said to be as old as the people themselves.
The nutritional culture of the people derives from the rivers that surround them. But they also source for and enjoy meat reared at home or captures in the forests or on the streets (one of which is dogs).
Dog meat is generally known in Nigeria as 404. Aside from the consumption of this meat for pleasure or sexual stimulation, there are cultural arguments that support the ingestion of dog meat amongst the Efik-Ibibio.
The people ascribe curative and magical powers to it. Some believe that consuming it wards off witchcraft attack, cures malaria, rejuvenates the skin, and bestows supernatural powers on consumers.
However, medical experts say there is no proof whatsoever that dog meat cures malaria. But some said it helps to maintain osmotic blood pressure caused by plasma protein because of the high content of albumin and can also prevent arteriosclerosis (the thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries).
Some locals buy live dogs for preparation at the markets in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, while some others catch stray dogs. It is also easy to find joints that specialize in dog meat preparation in the states. It is said that dogs are drawn on the walls or billboards of such joints.
The preferred breed of dogs for consumption is the local Nigerian breed which is derogatorily referred to as ekuke. These local breeds are far cheaper than foreign ones.
The fact that some of these dogs may have rabies infestation does not matter to the consumers. Most of them believe that cooking kills whatever disease an animal may be carrying.
Dog meat, or 404, as it is popularly known, can be served alongside dishes such as peppered meat, pepper soup, and white rice. It is also not unusual to find people downing this delicacy with palm wine.
Speaking with Niger Delta Voice, Mr Ubong Udofia, who has been in the business of dog meat since 1994, told Vanguard that the delicacy knows no tribe as people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, Ibibio patronize his dog meat joint.
“One thing they share in common is the satisfaction they get from consuming the meat, which for some is an everyday affair. We do not in this part see dog meat as a taboo like in some places,” he said.
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