Seven members of the same family in Runjin Barmo village, Sokoto State, Nigeria, have died following the consumption of a cassava delicacy, according to a statement from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
The victims include Malam Abubakar, his wife A’ishatu Abubakar, and their five children.
The incident occurred last Wednesday in the Kajiji District of Shagari Local Government Area.
Village head Malam Muhammadu Modi reported that the family consumed the cassava meal during dinner.
However, he noted that other households in the village had used the same cassava without any ill effects, leaving the exact cause of death uncertain.
Health Commissioner Hajiya Asabe Balarabe led a delegation to the village to assess the situation.
The ministry plans to take samples from a surviving teenager who also consumed the suspected meal for further investigation.
Balarabe expressed condolences on behalf of Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu and urged residents to promptly report any strange diseases in their communities.
The incident has raised concerns about food safety in the region. Local health officials, including Sani Bello Tambuwal, Director of Health for Shagari Local Government Area, have welcomed the state’s swift response to the tragedy.
As investigations continue, authorities are emphasizing the importance of food safety awareness and early reporting of health issues in rural communities.
Source: punchng.com
