Four family members have been confirmed dead after eating yam flour, locally called amala, in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident via a statement issued on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Fanwo said Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has directed the Commissioner for Health to commence an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with specific focus on the possibility of food poisoning or contamination.
“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 stated.
He added that the investigation would seek to establish the facts and determine whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated, or if any other medical or environmental factor contributed to the deaths.
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The commissioner noted that relevant samples and available evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.
“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 also assured residents of Kogi State that the government would release further information to the public as soon as verified facts emerge from the ongoing investigation.
