Amala Meal Turns Fatal as Four Family Members, Dog Die in Kogi

Four members of a family have reportedly died after eating ‘amala’ in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The family’s dog also reportedly died after consuming the same meal.

Following the incident, the Kogi State Government has launched an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, Governor Ahmed Ododo directed the Commissioner for Health to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning or contamination.
The statement quoted the governor as saying that the government was deeply concerned about the tragedy and that the investigation must establish whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated or whether another medical or environmental factor contributed to the deaths.
He directed that relevant samples and available evidence be properly examined in line with established public health procedures.
The state government also expressed concern over reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, noting that the development would form part of the investigation.
The governor further directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the probe is thorough and that appropriate public health measures are taken based on its findings.
The government urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is completed and the facts established by the relevant authorities.
Governor Ododo commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima, praying that God would grant them strength and comfort to bear the loss.
He assured the people of Kogi State that further information would be made available as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.