The Kogi State Government has begun an investigation into the deaths of six people who reportedly consumed cassava flour that may have been contaminated.

The incident took place last Wednesday in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area.

According to reports, eight people were taken to three different hospitals after eating the suspected contaminated cassava flour.

Six of them died due to multiple organ failure. The two remaining victims have since been discharged from the hospital.

Kogi State’s Commissioner for Health, AbdulAzzez Adeiza, visited the survivors before their discharge. He said, “Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture.”

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

He also mentioned that a specialized team, including state and World Health Organization officials, as well as local health workers, has been sent to investigate the outbreak. “A thorough case investigation will involve talking to community leaders, assessing environmental conditions, and evaluating the water source,” Adeiza said.

The Ministry of Health thanked the community for its cooperation and urged everyone to maintain good health practices and report any suspicious issues.

In a related incident, Kwara State also reported a case of food poisoning where four people, including a woman and three children, died after consuming Amala made from cassava flour. Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, confirmed the deaths and said, “The victims died after consuming Lafun-Amala, which is believed to have contained poison.”

El-Imam added, “The Amala made from Lafun could have been responsible for the deaths. Those who ate just yam flour did not fall ill.”

She further stated that several others are recovering in hospitals. “Some are doing well and, with intensive medical treatment, should recover fully,” she said.

The commissioner also noted that an initial test for Cholera turned out to be Gastroenteritis. “We are looking into providing better sources of potable water to prevent further cases,” El-Imam assured.