A family of seven (7) in Runjin Barmo village of Kajiji District in Shagari local government area of Sokoto state, have died after eating a cassava meal.
The family died shortly after consumption of the ill-fated cassava delicacy which was suspected to be contaminated at the time of preparation.
Asabe Balarabe, the state Commissioner for Health, who led a powerful delegation to the village for condolence was told by the village head of the area, Malam Muhammadu Modi Magajin Runjin Barmo that the said victims had the meal for dinner.
According to him, the victims include the father, Malam Abubakar, his wife, A’ishatu Abubakar and their 5 children.
He explained that the suspected cassava had been used by about 4 houses in the village and no case of illness was recorded in those houses.
Magaji on behalf of people of the area, thanked the state governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu for showing his concern to them through the Commissioner.
Balarabe, while speaking, stated that they were in the village to assess the cause of the incident for onward communication to the state government for necessary action.
She said the ministry would take samples from one teenager who happened to be alive after eating the suspected cassava meal.
She consoled the people of the area over the incident and prayed to Allah to forgive those who lost their lives.
She called on people of the state to ensure prompt reporting of any strange disease in their domains for the ministry’s intervention.
The Director Health for Shagari local government area, Sani Bello Tambuwal, in his remarks, thanked the Commissioner for her concern and hoped the effort would be sustained.
