Five die, four survive as state deploys health team, sends food samples for laboratory analysis
By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Government has moved swiftly to contain a suspected food poisoning incident in Okehi Local Government Area, following the death of five persons out of nine who consumed locally processed cassava flour prepared as uka/amala and soup.
The incident, according to the State Ministry of Health, occurred after the affected persons consumed the food on the evening of August 19, 2026, while some also ate the leftover meal the following morning.
The victims reportedly developed symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsion and unconsciousness.
The Ministry said some of the victims initially took herbal concoctions as home remedies before they were taken to the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene, for medical attention.
Two persons reportedly died at home, while three others later died in the hospital. Four victims survived.
The incident has therefore affected nine persons, with five deaths recorded, representing a case fatality rate of approximately 55.6 per cent.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary investigation by the state health authorities revealed that the cassava flour was not purchased from the market but processed locally by the family.
The investigation further showed that the family had previously prepared and consumed the same locally processed cassava without any reported incident.
However, health officials observed that those who consumed the meal twice — both on the evening it was prepared and the following morning — developed more severe symptoms and died.
Those who ate the food only on the day it was prepared reportedly experienced less severe symptoms and survived.
The Ministry stressed that the findings remain preliminary, pending laboratory confirmation of the actual cause of the poisoning.
Samples Sent for Analysis
In a bid to determine the cause of the incident, samples of the leftover food and soup have been collected and sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, for laboratory analysis.
The state government is awaiting the outcome of the analysis to guide further public health interventions.
Meanwhile, health officials have commenced community sensitisation, warning residents against keeping chemicals and other potentially harmful substances around food and household environments.
The public is also being urged to seek immediate medical attention whenever they develop unusual symptoms and avoid self-medication or the use of unknown herbal concoctions.
Government Commends Emergency Response
The Ministry of Health commended the swift intervention of the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, State Epidemiologist, State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer and other members of the state health team.
It also appreciated the representatives of the Ministries of Livestock and Agriculture, Okehi Local Government Council and its health team, the World Health Organisation and other stakeholders who provided support to the victims and their families.
The traditional ruler and residents of the affected community were equally commended for their cooperation and participation in the ongoing sensitisation exercise.
Ododo Commiserates With Families
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on behalf of the Kogi State Government and the people of the state, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire people of Okehi Local Government Area over the tragic incident.
The government assured residents that the health and wellbeing of the people remain a priority of the administration.
While awaiting the laboratory results, the Ministry of Health urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected cases and adhere to public health advice.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.
