Another food poisoning has killed five family members in Kaurar Wanke village, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State after they consumed soup prepared with a local fertilizer commonly called “Gishirin lalle” in the Hausa language.
On August 11, ASHENEWS reported HERE that seven members of the same family in Runjin Barmo village, Kajiji District, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto state, died of food poisoning after consuming a cassava dish suspected to be contaminated.
A similar incident, in the same local government area, occurred on Thursday when the victims unknowingly used the fertilizer as seasoning in their meal. State Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, confirmed the tragedy, stating that three of the victims died on Friday, while the remaining two passed away on Sunday at Specialist Hospital Sokoto.
Balarabe, who was in Abuja for an official engagement when the incident was reported, said she immediately directed concerned directors to take action to save the victims’ lives. Despite the ministry’s efforts, the substance had already caused irreparable harm, leading to the victims’ deaths.
She added that the bodies of the two victims who died at the hospital have been transported to their village for burial by Islamic rites.
The Commissioner expressed her condolences to the bereaved families and advised the public to store poisonous chemicals securely, keep food items separate from agricultural and cosmetic products, and carefully check all ingredients before use.
Muhammad Abdullahi, a relative of the victims, thanked the Commissioner for her swift response and intervention, expressing his gratitude for her concern during this difficult time.
The Chief Medical Director of Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Dr Attahiru Isah Sokoto, described the incident as the will of Allah, praying for the deceased’s forgiveness and strength for their families to endure the loss.
