Ihima tragedy: Kogi Govt probes deaths of four family members

By Florence Kalu

The Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, following reports that the victims had consumed a local delicacy identified as Amala.

The directive was issued by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who ordered the state Ministry of Health to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish whether food poisoning, contamination or another medical or environmental factor was responsible.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the Governor was deeply concerned by the incident and had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation.

According to Fanwo, the investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine whether the food consumed by the victims was contaminated or whether another factor contributed to the tragedy.

“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 directing.

He said the relevant samples and available evidence must be properly examined in line with established public health procedures to determine the actual cause of the deaths.

The Government’s concern was heightened by reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same food, a development the authorities said would form part of the investigation.

Fanwo said the Ministry of Health had been directed 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, however, cautioned members of the public against drawing premature conclusions about the cause of the deaths, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the incident could only be established through proper investigation and scientific examination.

“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.

The development has raised concerns in the community, particularly over the possibility of food contamination, but the state government has emphasised that no cause of death has yet been officially established.

The authorities are expected to examine the food reportedly consumed by the victims, relevant medical information and other available evidence as part of the investigation.

Governor Ododo, according to Fanwo, commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over what he described as a painful incident, praying that God would grant them the strength and comfort to bear the loss.

The Commissioner assured residents that the government would provide further information as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.