Grief has enveloped Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area after four members of the same family died hours after eating a meal of amala.
In a chilling detail, the family’s dog also died after consuming leftovers from the same meal.
—Govt Orders Immediate Investigation— 
The Kogi State Government has moved to unravel what happened.
In a statement on Saturday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed the Commissioner for Health to launch a full investigation.
“The Chief Servant is deeply concerned by this tragic incident and has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning or food contamination,” Fanwo said.
According to the governor’s directive:
– Investigators must establish the facts around the deaths
– Determine whether the food consumed was contaminated
– Examine whether any other medical or environmental factor contributed
– Ensure “relevant samples and available evidence” are tested under standard public health procedures
—Community In Shock—
Residents of Ihima described the incident as devastating. The fact that the family dog also died after eating the same amala has heightened fears of possible food poisoning or contamination.
Health officials are expected to visit the home, collect food samples, and interview neighbours as part of the probe.
As of press time, the identities of the victims had not been officially released by the state government.
Governor Ododo has sympathised with the bereaved family and assured residents that the findings of the investigation will be made public.
