How five siblings die from food poisoning in Anambra

It was traumatic and tragic in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as five siblings died after eating a meal prepared by their mother, who is also critically sick in an hospital.

The tragic incident has been attributed to suspected food poisoning.

The incident has thrown the family and the entire community into confusion and mourning.

Relatives and neighbours have since been consoling and commiserating the bereaved family

Father of the deceased children, 79-year-old
Pa Robinson Aghalu, confirmed the incident occurred shortly after the children ate a meal prepared by their own mother.

Aghalu, who is a retired soldier, said the children started having stomach aches, vomiting and exhibited other symptoms.

He added that when their condition was getting worse, they were rushed to the hospital.

The septuagenarian said, “Despite efforts to save them, five of the six children died at various hospitals in the area, including a nearby maternity clinic, Iyienu Mission Hospital, and Crown Hospital.

“The mother, who also fell ill with similar symptoms, is currently hospitalised.

A doctor, who managed the mother’s case, confirmed that the likely cause of the illness was food poisoning.”

One of the couple’s child, who is now their only surviving child, escaped the tragedy as he was away at the time of the incident, studying with a relative.

The bereaved family is pleading for urgent financial support to defray medical and other related expenses.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident said food samples have been collected for forensic analysis.

According to the PPRO, “The command is aware of this development and has taken over the crime scene. The samples of food have been taken for a forensic assessment, and operatives are also engaging the neighbourhood for necessary information that will aid the investigations.

“Meanwhile, the bodies of the children have been recovered and deposited in a morgue.

“Further development shall be communicated, please.”