Four members of the same family have died after reportedly eating a local delicacy, amala, in Ihima, headquarters of Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government has ordered an investigation into the deaths, with authorities probing possible food poisoning or contamination.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the directive was issued by Governor Ahmed Ododo following the incident.
Fanwo said the governor had directed the Commissioner for Health to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what might have caused them.
“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,” he stated.
According to the commissioner, the investigation would examine relevant samples and other available evidence to establish whether the food consumed by the family was contaminated or whether another medical or environmental factor was responsible.
The government was further concerned by reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same meal. Fanwo said the development would form part of the investigation.
He added that the Ministry of Health would work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive probe and implement appropriate public health measures based on the findings.
The government urged residents to remain calm and refrain from speculating on the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded, assuring the people that verified information would be made public as it becomes available.
Governor Ododo also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Ihima, promising that the government would take necessary steps based on the outcome of the investigation.
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