ASHENEWS reports that seven members of the same family in Runjin Barmo village, Kajiji District, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto state, have died after consuming a cassava dish suspected to be contaminated.
The Village Head, Muhammadu Modi, narrated the incident to the Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, who led a delegation to the area. According to him, the victims—Abubakar, his wife A’ishatu, and their five children—consumed the cassava meal during dinner.
The incident occurred last Wednesday, and the exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Interestingly, the same cassava was used in four other households in the village, but no illnesses were reported in those homes.
Modi Magaji, on behalf of the community, expressed gratitude to the state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, for his concern.
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Commissioner Balarabe stated that they visited the village to assess the situation and report to the state government for appropriate action. She mentioned that the ministry would take samples from a teenager who survived after consuming the suspected cassava meal.
On behalf of the state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Balarabe offered condolences to the community and prayed for the deceased. She also urged residents to promptly report any unusual illnesses for timely intervention by the ministry.
In his remarks, Sani Bello Tambuwal, Director of Health for Shagari Local Government Area, thanked the Commissioner for her concern and hoped such efforts would continue.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Executive Director of the State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr. Bello Abubakar Attahiru, along with other directors and ministry staff.
