The Kwara state government has confirmed the death of four persons in the Eruda community, Olorun West Local Government Area, after consuming Amala, a popular local delicacy.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, disclosed at a news conference on Tuesday in Ilorin.
According to El-Imam, another person died of gastroenteritis, bringing the total number of deaths to five.
She explained that the state government has placed healthcare in the state on Outbreak Response Mode following the incident.
Also, the health team visited the community after a report of a family who lost members after consuming yam flour.
A 70-year-old woman fell ill and died after eating Amala, and her son and grandchildren, who also consumed the food, died later.
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The commissioner attributed the deaths to food poisoning caused by under-processed cassava used in producing the meal.
According to her, those who consumed yam flour without lafun were fine, but those who ate the mixture of both lafun and Amala fell ill and died.
Fortunately, she revealed, survivors were receiving treatment in hospitals, and some were recovering well.
The Doctor observed that the community’s poor personal and environmental hygiene contributed to the incident.
Also, one death was recorded in Osin Gada, Ilorin West Local Government Area, due to gastroenteritis.
She added that the state government has commenced treatment for affected patients and will provide the community with potable water to prevent future occurrences.
