Kogi: Six family members die from contaminated food

A devastating incident has occurred in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, resulting in the deaths of six family members.

 The victims reportedly consumed contaminated food made from cassava flour, leading to severe health complications.

According to sources, eight family members who ate the food (Amala) began experiencing simultaneous symptoms of stooling and vomiting shortly after consumption.

They were rushed to three different hospitals, where six of them were diagnosed with multiple organ failure. Unfortunately, these six individuals succumbed to their conditions and passed away.

However, the remaining two family members received timely medical treatment and have since been discharged from the hospital, fortunate to have survived the ordeal.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Ministry of Health has constituted a committee to investigate the suspected food poisoning.

The state Commissioner for Health, Hon. AbdulAzzez Adams Adeiza, who claimed to have visited the two survivors on Monday, said investigation was in progress.

He said, “Specialised team consisting of state and WHO officials, including the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), WHO officers, and local health officials, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.

“Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture.

“The Kogi State Government has taken responsibility for the medical bills of the victims and will release the final report of the toxicology to the public.

“Thankfully, no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported in the household or community.”