Food poisoning: Five siblings die, mother in critical condition

A tragic incident unfolded in Ogidi, a community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Tuesday, as five siblings suddenly lost their lives.

According to the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations suggest that food poisoning may have been the cause.

Ikenga, a superintendent of police, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the victims’ mother, who also consumed the suspected food, is currently in critical condition at a hospital.

Upon receiving the distress call, officers from the Ogidi Division swiftly arrived at the scene to respond to the situation.

“The bodies of the deceased children were recovered and have since been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy,” he said.

Mr Ikenga said the state police command had begun efforts to establish the exact cause of death.

“In the course of preliminary investigations, the police obtained samples of the suspected food, which have been forwarded for forensic analysis to determine the actual cause of the incident.

“Officers are also conducting interviews with residents and other potential witnesses within the neighborhood to gather relevant information that may aid the ongoing investigation,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has expressed shock and sadness over the unfortunate incident.

Mr Orutugu said the police command has condoled with the family over the loss of the siblings and wished their mother a speedy recovery.

The police chief stressed that the account of the ailing mother “will be vital in shedding more light” on the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased victims.

He assured Nigerians that “a thorough and comprehensive investigation” would be conducted to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he assured.

It was gathered that the family had six children, including the five who died from the incident.

The family’s only surviving child was away at the time of the incident because the child was schooling outside the community.

A relative on Thursday morning said that the incident happened after the children finished eating a meal prepared by their mother on Saturday.

“Then, minutes later, the children started having stomach aches followed by vomiting, before they all died,” the relative, who identified himself as Chukwudi, said.

Mr Chukwudi stressed that the children were rushed to hospitals around the area, where they were confirmed dead by the doctors.

“Some were taken to Iyienu Mission Hospital while others stayed at Crown Hospital,” he said.

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