By Kingsley Fanwo
The Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the State, following the consumption of a local delicacy identified as Amala.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, made this known on Saturday in a statement, saying the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence 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. Relevant samples and available evidence should be properly examined in accordance with established public health procedures,” Fanwo quoted the Chief Servant as directing.
Fanwo said the State Government was also concerned by reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, adding that the development would form part of the investigation.
He said the Chief Servant had directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation was thorough and that appropriate public health measures were taken based on its 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 Chief Servant commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the painful incident, praying that God would grant the family the strength and comfort to bear the loss.
He assured the people of Kogi State that the Government would make further information available as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.
