4 Family Members Die After Eating Amala In Kogi

Four members of the same family have reportedly died after consuming Amala, a local delicacy, in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident, which has thrown the community into shock, has raised concerns over possible food poisoning or contamination.

A resident of the community, Suleiman Nasiru, said the actual cause of the deaths was yet to be established, noting that it was unclear whether the food had been deliberately poisoned or contaminated by naturally occurring toxins in cassava used to prepare the meal.

Nine other persons who also consumed the cassava meal were reportedly hospitalised at an undisclosed medical facility. Their conditions could not be immediately ascertained as of press time.

He called on security agencies and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, the Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this yesterday in a statement, saying Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation.

According to Fanwo, the governor was deeply concerned about the incident and directed the Ministry of Health to investigate whether the deaths resulted from food poisoning, contamination or any other medical or environmental factor.

“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.
“Relevant samples and available evidence should be properly examined in accordance with established public health procedures,” Fanwo quoted the governor as directing.

The commissioner added that the government was particularly concerned by reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same food, stressing that the development would form part of the investigation.

He said the Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation and take appropriate public health measures based on its findings.

Fanwo urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded.

He also conveyed Governor Ododo’s condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Ihima, praying God to grant them the strength to bear the loss.

The commissioner assured the people of the state that the government would make further information available as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Afusat Oyiza Salihu, had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.