- Four members of the same family died after consuming amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State
- The family’s dog also died after eating from the same food, raising concerns about possible poisoning or contamination
- Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo directed the Commissioner for Health to launch a full investigation into the deaths
Four members of the same family have died in Ihima, located in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, after consuming amala.
The family’s dog is also reported to have died after eating from the same food.
Source: UGC
The Kogi state government confirmed the incident on Saturday, August 21, and announced an immediate investigation into the cause of the deaths, Punch reported.
Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to begin a full investigation into the matter, with particular focus on the possibility of food poisoning or contamination.
Kogi government orders full probe
In a statement, Fanwo quoted the governor as directing authorities to examine all available evidence and relevant samples in line with established public health procedures, Leadership reported.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Fanwo added that the death of the family’s dog after consuming the same food had heightened the government’s concern and would be factored into the ongoing investigation.
Government urges public calm
The governor also directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation and to put in place appropriate public health measures based on its findings.
Fanwo urged members of the public not to draw conclusions about the cause of the deaths before the investigation was concluded.
“The government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and the facts are established by the relevant authorities,” the commissioner said.
Governor Ododo offered his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Ihima, and the government assured Kogi residents that verified findings from the investigation would be made public as soon as they became available.
Widow buries husband inside parlour of new house
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian woman shared how her husband, who built a house, died before he had the opportunity to move into the house.
She stated that her husband had planned on opening the new house in May, but sadly died before then.
Source: Legit.ng