Four family members, dog reportedly die after eating amala in Kogi

Four members of a family have reportedly died after eating amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, with their dog also said to have died after consuming the same meal.

The incident has prompted the Kogi State Government to order an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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 investigate the incident.

Fanwo said the governor was deeply concerned about the deaths and had ordered health authorities to determine whether the incident was caused by food poisoning, contamination or another medical or environmental factor.

“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,” Fanwo quoted the governor as saying.

The governor also directed officials to collect and properly examine relevant samples and other available evidence in accordance with public health procedures.

Fanwo said the reported death of the family’s dog after eating the same food would also be examined as part of the investigation.

According to him, the Ministry of Health is expected to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to establish the cause of the deaths and determine any necessary public health measures.

The government also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid speculating about the cause of the incident until the investigation is concluded.

“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.

He added that Governor Ododo had expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Ihima, while assuring residents that further updates would be released once verified information emerges from the investigation.