The Kogi State Government has ordered an investigation into the deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, following their consumption of amala.
A dog belonging to the family was also reported to have died after eating the same meal.
The 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 immediately investigate the incident.
Fanwo said the investigation would determine whether food poisoning, contamination or another medical or environmental factor was responsible for the deaths.
“The Chief Servant (Governor Ododo) 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,” he said.
He added that relevant samples and other available evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.
According to the commissioner, the reported death of the family dog after consuming the same food would also be considered as part of the investigation.
Fanwo said the Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate public health measures based on its findings.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculating on the cause of the deaths until the investigation is completed and the facts established.
The commissioner said Governor Ododo sympathised with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the incident.
He added that the state government would release further information when verified findings from the investigation become available.
