FOUR members of the same family have died under mysterious circumstances in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, after reportedly consuming a local delicacy, Amala, prompting the state government to order an immediate investigation into the tragedy.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Kogi State Government has directed health authorities to conduct a comprehensive probe into the deaths, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning, food contamination or any other medical or environmental factor that may have contributed to the incident.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding 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.
“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 Chief Servant as directing.
The Commissioner said the Kogi State Government was also concerned by reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, adding that the development would form part of the ongoing investigation.
According to him, the Chief Servant has directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation is thorough and that appropriate public health measures are taken based on its findings.
“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,” Fanwo said.
The Chief Servant, according to the Commissioner, commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the painful incident, praying that God would grant the family the strength and comfort to bear the loss.
Fanwo assured the people of Kogi State that the government would make further information available as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.
