By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja
Tragedy has struck Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the reported deaths of four members of the same family after they allegedly consumed a local delicacy identified as Amala (cassava flour).
The deaths have triggered concern in the community, with the circumstances surrounding the incident yet to be established as the state government moves to investigate the reported fatalities.
The incident took a more disturbing turn following reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same food, raising concerns over possible food contamination or poisoning.
The Kogi State Government, reacting to the development on Saturday, ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths to determine what may have caused the tragedy.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
According to Fanwo, the investigation would establish whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated or whether another medical or environmental factor was responsible for the deaths.
“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 quoted the governor as saying.
The government also directed that relevant samples and available evidence be properly examined in line with established public health procedures, while the Ministry of Health is expected to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders in conducting the investigation.
Fanwo said the report of the dog’s death after consuming the same food would also form part of the investigation, stressing that the government would base any further public health action on the findings.
Meanwhile, the state government urged residents to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and the facts established by the relevant authorities.
Governor Ododo, according to the commissioner, commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over what he described as a painful incident, while assuring residents that the government would make further information available as soon as verified facts emerge.
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