By A series of tragic food poisoning incidents in Nigeria’s Kogi and Kwara States has resulted in the deaths of ten people, sparking immediate government investigations and public health concerns. The fatalities occurred after victims consumed meals made from cassava flour and plantain, highlighting urgent food safety issues in the region.
In Kogi State, six people died after eating cassava flour in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred last Wednesday, saw eight victims rushed to three different hospitals, with only two survivors. Kogi State Commissioner for Health, AbdulAzzez Adeiza, announced that a specialized team, including state and World Health Organization officials, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.
Adeiza stated, “Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture.” The government has taken responsibility for the victims’ medical bills and promised to release the final toxicology report to the public.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, four family members, including a 70-year-old grandmother, her son, and two others, died after consuming an amala meal in the Eruda community, Ilorin West Local Government Area. Dr. Amina El-Imam, Kwara State Commissioner of Health, confirmed that the deaths were linked to the consumption of amala believed to contain poison.
El-Imam explained, “Those who consumed the mixture of both Lafun and Amala mixture fell ill and eventually, some of them died.” She suggested that the incident might be a case of chemical food poisoning, potentially due to under-processed cassava used in producing the lafun (cassava flour).
In addition to these cases, one death from gastroenteritis was reported in Osin Gada, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara. The community experienced several cases of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily among children.
Both state governments have placed their healthcare systems on high alert. Kogi State officials are conducting thorough case investigations, engaging with community leaders, and assessing environmental sanitation conditions. In Kwara, efforts are underway to provide better sources of potable water to affected communities.
Punchng.com
