Four members of a family have reportedly died after consuming a local delicacy, amala, in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The deaths have prompted the state government to order an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed the Ministry of Health to probe the deaths.
According to Fanwo, the investigation would focus on the possibility of food poisoning or contamination arising from the meal consumed by the deceased.
He said relevant samples and other available evidence would be subjected to examination in line with established public health procedures.
The government’s concern was heightened by reports that the family’s dog also died after consuming the same food.
Fanwo said the death of the animal would form part of the investigation as authorities seek to establish whether the meal was contaminated or whether another medical or environmental factor was responsible for the deaths.
He said the state Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive investigation and implement appropriate measures based on its findings.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and refrain from speculating about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded.
He said the government would make verified information available to the public as soon as it emerged from the probe.
Governor Ododo, according to the statement, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the tragedy, praying for strength and comfort for those affected.
The incident occurred in Ihima, the headquarters of Okehi Local Government Area in Kogi Central Senatorial District.