DEADLY CASSAVA DELICACY: Family of Seven Dies

Tragedy struck in Runjin Barmo village, Kajiji District, Shagari local government area of Sokoto state, as a family of seven succumbed to a poisonous cassava meal. The family’s fate was sealed shortly after consuming the deadly delicacy, which was suspected to have been tainted during preparation.

The village head, Malam Muhammadu Modi Magajin Runjin Barmo, revealed that the victims included the father, Malam Abubakar, his wife, A’ishatu Abubakar, and their five children.

The toxic cassava had been shared with four other houses in the village, but no other cases of illness were reported.

The state Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, led a team to the village to investigate the cause of the incident and offer condolences.

She stated that the ministry would take samples from a surviving teenager who had also eaten the suspected cassava meal to determine the cause of the poisoning.

The Commissioner consoled the villagers and prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased.

She emphasized the importance of prompt reporting of strange diseases to enable the ministry to take swift action.

The Director of Health for Shagari local government area, Sani Bello Tambuwal, thanked the Commissioner for her concern and hoped that the effort would be sustained to prevent future occurrences.