The Kwara State Government has activated its outbreak response mode following the deaths of a 70-year-old woman, her son, and two other family members in Eruda community, Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The fatalities occurred after the family consumed Amala, which is believed to have been poisoned.
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Dr. Amina El-Imam, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed that the deaths were linked to the consumption of Amala, a traditional dish made from cassava flour. She detailed at a press conference in Ilorin that the family fell ill and died after eating Lafun-Amala, which was potentially contaminated.
“The initial claim was that the 70-year-old woman became ill and died after eating the Amala. Her son and grandchildren, who also consumed the same food, suffered similar fates,” El-Imam said.
The victims were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where they passed away.
The Commissioner noted that those who ate the Amala made without Lafun did not fall ill. “Those who consumed the mixture of both Lafun and Amala fell ill and eventually died,” she added.
Several individuals are currently recovering in hospitals, according to El-Imam. She also highlighted suboptimal personal and environmental hygiene in the affected area.
El-Imam further indicated that the deaths are likely due to chemical food poisoning from improperly processed cassava used in the Lafun. “We have four other cases recovering, in addition to the four who unfortunately passed away,” she said.
In another incident, El-Imam reported a death from gastroenteritis in Osin Gada, Ilorin West. “One life was lost due to gastroenteritis, which was initially suspected to be cholera,” she explained. The disease was marked by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, predominantly affecting children.
