Four members of the same family have reportedly died after eating amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, prompting the state government to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The family’s dog, which reportedly consumed the same food, also died, heightening concerns over possible food contamination or poisoning.
However, the Kogi State Government has cautioned against drawing conclusions on the cause of the deaths, stressing that the incident is still under investigation.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation to determine whether the deaths were linked to the food consumed by the family.
According to him, the investigation would examine all possible causes, including food contamination, poisoning and other medical or environmental factors.
“The Chief Servant is deeply concerned by this tragic incident and has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning or food contamination,” Fanwo said.
He added that relevant samples and other available evidence would be subjected to proper examination in line with established public health procedures.
The commissioner said the investigation would also consider the reported death of the family’s dog after consuming the same meal.
“The investigation must establish the facts and determine whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated or whether any other medical or environmental factor contributed to the deaths,” he stated.
Fanwo said the Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to establish what led to the deaths and recommend appropriate public health measures.
The incident has generated concern among residents of Ihima, with the deaths of the family members and the animal after consuming the same food raising fears of possible contamination.
The government, however, maintained that food poisoning had not been established as the cause of death.
Fanwo urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.
He said the government would make further information available once the relevant authorities had established the facts.
Governor Ododo also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Ihima, praying for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
The state government assured residents that it would take appropriate public health action if the investigation establishes that contaminated food was responsible for the deaths.
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