Family of four die after eating Amala

…As Kogi Gov’t orders probe

Tragedy has struck the Ihima community in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State following the deaths of four members of the same family after they reportedly consumed a meal prepared with cassava flour, popularly known as Amala.

The incident has sparked widespread panic in the area, particularly after the family’s domestic dog also died upon consuming leftovers of the same food, heightening suspicions of acute food poisoning or chemical contamination.

In response to the incident, the Kogi State Government ordered an immediate, comprehensive investigation to uncover the precise circumstances surrounding the fatalities.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the directive in an official statement, noting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had instructed the Commissioner for Health to deploy public health experts to investigate the case.

Fanwo stated that health authorities and investigative teams will examine food samples, autopsy reports, and environmental factors to determine whether the deaths were caused by food contamination, toxic additives, or other public health hazards.

While expressing condolences to the bereaved family and the Ihima community, the state government appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from speculation while relevant authorities conclude their scientific assessment.