The Kogi State House of Assembly has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his swift intervention following a suspected food poisoning incident in Okehi Local Government Area of the state, which claimed the lives of five persons.
The commendation followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented before the House by the Member representing Okehi Constituency, Hon. Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya.
According to the lawmaker, the incident occurred after nine persons consumed locally processed cassava flour prepared as uka/amala and soup on the evening of August 19, 2026.
He said some of the affected persons also consumed the leftover meal the following morning, after which they developed symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsion and unconsciousness.
Zakariya explained that two victims reportedly died at home, while three others later died at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene, where they were taken for medical attention.
The lawmaker said preliminary investigations by the Kogi State Ministry of Health indicated that the cassava flour was locally processed by the family and was not purchased from the market.
He added that the family had previously prepared and consumed the same locally processed cassava without any reported incident.
Zakariya noted that health officials observed that those who consumed the meal twice on the evening it was prepared and the following morning developed more severe symptoms and died, while those who ate the food only on the day it was prepared reportedly experienced less severe symptoms and survived.
He said samples of the leftover food and soup had been collected and sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Plateau State, for laboratory analysis to establish the actual cause of the incident.
The lawmaker said the state government was awaiting the outcome of the laboratory analysis to guide further public health interventions.
In his submission, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, but said the House should go beyond commending the government and take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence.
MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE APPRECIATING THE KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT FOR MOVING SWIFTLY TO CONTAINED A SUSPECTED FOOD POISON INCIDENT IN UBORO OMAVI- OHUEPE AND IHIMA IN OKEHI LGA
Yesterday, during plenary at the Kogi State House of Assembly, I raised the issue of the unfortunate cassava flour (Uka/Amala) incident that occurred in Okehi Local Government Area, following my motion on a matter of urgent public importance.
While presenting the motion, I narrated the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and highlighted the findings from the preliminary investigation, which indicated that the cassava flour used in preparing the meal was locally processed. Sadly, those who consumed the meal and subsequently ate from it the following day were severely affected, with some tragically losing their lives.However, those who consumed the food only once survived after receiving urgent medical attention at CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, Okene.
I commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, for his prompt and proactive response to the incident.His administration immediately put the necessary machinery in motion, which helped to mitigate further casualties. I also acknowledged his recent visit to Okehi local government demonstrating his concern and compassion during this difficult period. He assured the resident that the health and wellbeing of the people remain a top priority of his administration.while awaiting the laboratory results,the governor urged the resident to remain vigilant, prompt report of suspected cases and adhere to public health advice
The entire House expressed its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and the entire community over this painful tragedy.
The House also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to establishing the actual cause and taking appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.
This unfortunate incident is a painful reminder of the importance of food safety, proper processing and public awareness.
We must continue to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
May God grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives.
