Six die after cassava flour meal in Kogi, govt begins probe

The Kogi State Government has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of six persons after eating cassava flour that may have been contaminated.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred last Wednesday in a household in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that eight victims were rushed to three different hospitals, where six of them died due to multiple organ failure.

The two surviving victims have since been discharged.

The state Commissioner for Health, AbdulAzzez Adeiza, who had visited the survivors before their discharge, said that a specialised team consisting of state and World Health Organisation’s officials, including the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, and local health officials, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.

He said, “Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture.

“The Kogi State Government has taken responsibility for the victims’ medical bills and will release the final toxicology report to the public.

“The government expresses its gratitude to healthcare workers for their unwavering dedication and efforts in saving the lives of the two surviving victims.

“A thorough case investigation would be conducted, which would involve engaging with community leaders and neighbours, assessing environmental sanitation conditions, and evaluating the water source.

“Thankfully, no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported in the household or community.”

The Kogi State Ministry of Health also thanked the community for its cooperation and urged everyone to prioritise healthy living, remain vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious findings.

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