A heartbreaking situation unfolded in Eruda community, Ilorin, Kwara State, leading to the unfortunate demise of a 70-year-old grandmother, her son, and two other family members. This tragic incident occurred after they consumed a poisoned Amala meal.
The Kwara State Government has activated its Outbreak Response Mode in the healthcare sector following this devastating incident. Dr. Amina El-Imam, the State Commissioner of Health, confirmed that the victims succumbed to the effects of the poisonous Amala they ingested.
During a press conference held in Ilorin, Dr. El-Imam disclosed that one of the deaths was linked to gastroenteritis.
Upon receiving reports of the family’s tragic ordeal, the Ministry of Health promptly dispatched a healthcare team to the community. It was revealed that the fatal outcome stemmed from the consumption of Lafun-Amala, a dish made from cassava flour.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the elderly woman fell ill and passed away after consuming the poisonous Amala.
Tragically, her son and grandchildren also fell ill and succumbed to the same toxic food. Despite efforts to save them, they lost their lives at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital,” she stated.
Dr. El-Imam highlighted the link between the Amala made from Lafun and the fatalities, noting that those who consumed the yam flour without Lafun did not experience any adverse effects.
She emphasized, “The individuals who consumed the mixture of Lafun and Amala became ill and tragically, some of them passed away.”
Several other individuals are currently recovering in healthcare facilities, receiving necessary treatment and care.
“Fortunately, some patients are showing signs of improvement and are expected to make a full recovery with continued medical attention. The prevailing lack of proper personal and environmental hygiene in the area was noted,” she remarked.
Dr. El-Imam concluded that the tragic incident was attributed to chemical food poisoning, likely stemming from inadequately processed cassava used in Lafun production.
“We have four additional patients who are now in recovery, in addition to the four we tragically lost,” she expressed her sorrow.
Furthermore, Dr. El-Imam clarified that an Initial Rapid Diagnostic Test ruled out cholera in a suspected case, confirming the diagnosis of gastroenteritis.
Regarding another incident in Osin Gada, Kwara, she noted a fatality due to gastroenteritis in Ilorin West Local Government Area.
“The community experienced cases of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily among children, resulting in one unfortunate loss of life.
“The occurrence of symptoms prompted immediate action through the state’s disease reporting mechanism.
“Prompt treatment was administered on-site, and all affected individuals received standard medical care to alleviate symptoms and facilitate recovery,” she detailed.
Dr. El-Imam revealed that the deceased individual was the initial case, exhibiting symptoms before they spread within the community.
The illness manifested through vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain among those affected.
Highlighting the suboptimal personal and environmental hygiene in the area, she stressed concerted efforts to contain the disease within the current patient population.
“We are working on improving access to clean and safe drinking water for the community,” she added.