The Government and people of Sokoto State are in mourning following the reported death of 24 family members due to suspected food poisoning.
Confirming the unfortunate incident yesterday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname, the deaths occurred after the family members ate some poisonous food substances.
Dr Inname said in a statement that the incident occurred on Monday at Danzanke village of Bargaja ward in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to the Commissioner, the sad occurrence resulted from the use of a fertilizer type of chemical, popularly called “Gishirin Lalle” in Hausa, as a seasoning in domestic family cooking. Hitherto, many locals considered “Gishirin Lalle” as common salt.
“Regrettably, the entire family who ate the meal lost their lives, except two female members, who merely tasted the food and are currently responding to treatment, with very good chances of survival.
“Attempts to save the lives of all the affected people by providing the needed medical care proved abortive”, the commissioner disclosed.
He therefore urged members of the public to be more careful by learning from this incidence and keeping such poisonous chemicals away from easy reach.
Dr Inname also advised people to always separate storage sites for food items from other agricultural and cosmetic items, and to carefully check all ingredients and food stuff before use.
For the Health Commissioner, it is important that families ensure food stores are properly secured to prevent flies from having easy access, just as cooked food and water sources should also be kept within clean and secured places.
