In a statement issued Sunday evening by Nura Bello, the Information Officer for the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, it was disclosed that the victims, who included Malam Abubakar, his wife A’ishatu, and their five children, died after consuming a cassava meal during dinner.
The statement, made on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, noted that the incident was reported by the village head, Malam Muhammadu Modi, when Balarabe led a delegation to the affected community.
The statement mentioned that the incident occurred last Wednesday, but the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The village head, Malam Muhammadu Modi, noted that the same batch of cassava had been used by four other households in the village without any reports of illness.
Additionally, the statement conveyed the village head’s gratitude to Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu for his concern and support during this time.
Commissioner Hajiya Asabe Balarabe visited the village to investigate the cause of the deaths and to report back to the state government.
The ministry plans to test samples from a surviving teenager who also ate the suspected cassava meal. Balarabe offered condolences on behalf of the state governor and urged residents to report any unusual illnesses.
Local health officials thanked her for the concern, and she was accompanied by key ministry staff during the visit.