Four members of the same family have reportedly died after eating amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The family’s dog was also said to have died after consuming the same meal.
Following the incident, the Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, had directed the Commissioner for Health to begin a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“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 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.
Fanwo said the state government was also concerned by reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, noting that the development would be included in the ongoing investigation.
He added that Governor Ododo had directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate public health measures based on the findings.
“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,” the commissioner said.
Fanwo said the governor sympathised with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the incident, praying that God would grant the family the strength and comfort to cope with the loss.
He assured the people of Kogi State that the government would provide further updates once verified facts emerge from the ongoing investigation.