Family Of 11 Die After Consuming Poisoned Food In Benue

Suspected food poisoning has led to the death of 11 members of a family in Ikobi community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals said the family members died after they consumed the food contaminated with harmful chemicals.

Those who died include Adi Ale, Ochefije Ojo, Maria Ojo, Aipu Ochefije, Aboyi Ngbede Ochefije, Mary Ochoyoda, Ehi Abu, Blessing Abu, Peace Ochoyoda, Ojochono Daniel and Favour Edoh.

It was learnt that six of the victims died in one day, while the other five died a few days after.

A local, Ochoyoda Abu, lost his wife (Mary), two sisters (Ehi and Blessing) and a daughter (Peace).

The traditional ruler of Ikobi community, Professor Mohammed Adah, recalled that a similar incident had happened in September, saying suspicion about food poisoning heightened when five of the victims died the same day in the community.

Adah said experts were invited from the state’s Ministry of Health to investigate the cause of deaths, adding that the results of the investigations were yet to be made available to the community.

He said those who fell sick after eating the meal were taken to and have since recovered and returned home.

The state Police spokesperson DSP Catherine Anene, said the victims died last Monday, November 14, adding that seven of the victims were confirmed dead in one day alone.

A former state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Ojotu Ojema, had visited the bereaved families at Oleg’oke in Ikobi on Sunday to condole with them.