Four children have reportedly died after consuming a meal of amala and okra soup in Ikueyi community, Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims, aged between four and 12 years, were said to have eaten the meal in two separate families before falling critically ill. Several other people who consumed the same food reportedly became sick, while a dog that also ate part of the meal died.
The incident has raised concerns among residents over possible food contamination and plunged the community into mourning.
Five other affected persons are currently receiving treatment at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene, where medical personnel are working to stabilise their condition.
Following the deaths, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Monday Amoka, visited the community and ordered an immediate investigation into the suspected food poisoning.
Amoka called on residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands while authorities work to establish the cause of the deaths.
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He said, “The people of the community should remain calm, as efforts are being intensified to ensure the recovery of the victims in the hospital.”
Health and local government officials are expected to conduct laboratory tests on samples of the food and other relevant materials to determine what caused the illness and deaths.
The investigation is expected to establish whether the cassava flour, okra soup or another component of the meal was contaminated and provide guidance on measures needed to prevent a recurrence.
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