The Kogi State Government has ordered an investigation into the deaths of four members of the same family who reportedly died after consuming amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the state.
The family’s dog was also reported to have died after eating the same food.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to begin a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Fanwo said the governor was concerned by the deaths and had ordered authorities to establish whether food poisoning or contamination was responsible.
“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,” the statement said.
According to the commissioner, the investigation would determine whether the food consumed by the victims was contaminated or whether other medical or environmental factors contributed to the deaths.
He said relevant samples and other available evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.
The reported death of the family’s dog after consuming the same food would also form part of the investigation, Fanwo said.
He added that the Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation and implement appropriate public health measures based on the findings.
The government urged residents to remain calm and refrain from speculating about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is completed.
“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 governor expressed condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Ihima, praying for strength and comfort for those affected by the loss.
Fanwo assured residents that the state government would provide further information once verified findings from the investigation become available.
