Four Dead, Nine Hospitalised After Cassava Meal in Kogi Community

Four children have reportedly died while nine others have been hospitalised after consuming food prepared with cassava flour, popularly known as amala, in Ikueyi community, Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident has thrown residents into shock and mourning, following the deaths of the children, aged between four and 12, from two families after eating amala and okra soup.

A dog that reportedly consumed the same food also died, raising concerns among residents about possible food poisoning.

Five of the affected persons are currently receiving treatment at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene, while efforts are ongoing to establish the cause of the deaths.

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Monday Amoka, who visited the community, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to prevent further casualties.

Amoka urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the local government was working with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the suspected poisoning and ensure that the victims receiving treatment recover.

Authorities are expected to conduct further tests on the food consumed by the affected families to determine whether contamination or another factor was responsible for the deaths.