Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
KOGI, Nigeria – The Kogi family deaths investigation is underway after four members of a family and their dog reportedly die after eating amala in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, prompting the state government to launch an urgent public health inquiry.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the investigation on Saturday, saying Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed health authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.
According to Fanwo, the Commissioner for Health has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to establish whether food contamination, poisoning or another medical or environmental factor caused the incident.
The victims reportedly die after consuming amala, while the family’s dog is also said to have died after eating the same meal, raising concerns over possible contamination.
Fanwo says health officials will examine food samples and other available evidence as part of the investigation.
He explains that relevant government agencies and public health experts will carry out the necessary scientific assessments to determine the actual cause of the deaths.
The commissioner urges residents to avoid spreading rumours or drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed.
According to him, only verified findings from health authorities should be relied upon to explain what happened.
Fanwo says Governor Ododo expresses sympathy to the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the tragic incident.
He adds that the state government will make the findings of the investigation public once health experts conclude their assessment.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the deaths, and no evidence has yet established whether the incident resulted from food poisoning, contamination or any other factor.
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Hope Ajayi 
Oluwafunbi Bello 