The Kogi State Government says has intensified response to cases of suspected cassava flour poisoning that has claimed five lives out of nine persons affected in a family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area.

The State Ministry of Health, in its report on the incident, said the victims developed symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsion and unconsciousness after consuming locally processed cassava flour commonly referred to as amala and soup.

According to the report, the development comes after Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed the Ministry of Health to investigate the deaths and establish the cause of the incident.

Investigation by the ministry of health found that the cassava flour was processed locally by the family and was not purchased from the market, while some of those who consumed the food both on the evening it was prepared and the following morning developed severe symptoms and died.

Samples of the leftover food and soup have been sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, for laboratory analysis as the government awaits the results to establish the specific cause of the poisoning.

The State Government has also commenced community sensitisation on food safety, particularly on the need to keep chemicals away from food items, while urging residents to seek prompt medical attention and avoid self-medication or use of unverified herbal concoctions.

Meanwhile, the state Ministry of Health says it is working with relevant agencies and
partners and has continued to monitor the situation and coordinate the public health response to the situation.

The government commiserates with the bereaved families and the people of Ihima in Okehi local government area over the incident, assuring residents that the health and wellbeing of the people remain a priority of the administration of Governor Ododo.