Kogi Govt Probes Deaths Of 4 Family Members After Eating Amala

The Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, following reports that they died after consuming a local delicacy identified as Amala.

The state government’s directive was disclosed on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement.

Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident, particularly to determine whether food poisoning, contamination or other medical or environmental factors were responsible for the deaths.

According to him, the governor directed that relevant samples and available evidence be properly examined in line with established public health procedures.

“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 Ododo as saying.

“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.”

The government’s concern was heightened by reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same food.

Fanwo said the death of the animal would form part of the investigation as authorities work to establish the exact cause of the fatalities.

He added that the Ministry of Health had been directed to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation and the implementation of appropriate public health measures based on the findings.

The government also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from speculating on the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded.

“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 commissioner said Ododo had commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the tragedy, while praying for strength and comfort for the family.

He assured residents that the government would release further information once verified facts emerge from the investigation.

The incident sparked confusion in Ihima on Friday following reports that the four family members died after consuming a meal prepared with cassava flour, commonly known as Amala.

The development has also revived memories of a similar incident in Kogi State in November 2016, when nine people died after consuming cassava flour meal in the Ogaminana area of Okene.

Authorities are yet to establish whether the latest deaths are linked to food poisoning or contamination, with the ongoing investigation expected to determine the cause.