Kogi Govt Orders Investigation Into Deaths of Four Family Members in Ihima
The Kogi State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, following reports that they consumed a local delicacy known as Amala.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, August 22, 2026, saying Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to Fanwo, the investigation is expected to determine whether food poisoning or contamination was responsible for the deaths, or whether another medical or environmental factor may have contributed to the incident.
“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 quoted the governor as directing.
He said relevant samples and available evidence must be properly examined in line with established public health procedures.
The state government is also investigating reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, a development Fanwo said would form part of the inquiry.
The Commissioner said the Ministry of Health had been directed to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation was thorough and that appropriate public health measures were taken based on its findings.
The government urged residents to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is completed and the relevant authorities establish the facts.
“The Government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and the facts are established by the relevant authorities,” Fanwo said.
Fanwo said Governor Ododo commiserated with the bereaved family and residents of Ihima over the incident, while assuring the people of Kogi State that further information would be made available as verified facts emerge from the investigation.
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