The Anambra State Police command has commenced an investigation into the death of five siblings linked to food poisoning, leaving their mother in critical condition.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, as part of the investigation, samples of the food consumed by the deceased persons have been taken for a forensic assessment.
The tragic incident occurred in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The children, after consuming the meal prepared by their mother on Saturday, suddenly started experiencing stomach aches, vomiting before they were rushed to the hospital, where they later died.
It was an atmosphere of grief when our correspondent visited the family home of the deceased person on Wednesday.
The father of the deceased children, Pa Robinson Aghalu, a 79-year-old retired soldier, who managed to speak to journalists, said the incident occurred after his children consumed a meal prepared by their mother on Saturday, May 3.
Aghalu said the children started experiencing stomach aches, vomiting, and other symptoms, which worsened over time and were rushed to the hospital.
He said, “The children started experiencing stomach aches, vomiting and other symptoms after consuming the meal prepared by their mother on Saturday.
Despite efforts to save them, five of the six children died at various hospitals in the area, including a nearby maternity clinic, Iyienu Mission Hospital, and Crown Hospital.
“The mother, who also fell ill with similar symptoms, is currently hospitalised. A doctor, who managed the mother’s case, confirmed that the likely cause of the illness was food poisoning.”
Pa Aghalu is left with one surviving child, who was away studying with a relative during the incident.
The police spokesperson said the result from forensic analysis of the food samples will further aid its ongoing investigation.
Ikenga said, “The Command is aware of this development and has taken over the crime scene. The samples of food have been taken for a forensic assessment and operatives are also engaging the neighbourhood for necessary information that will aid the investigations.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the children have been recovered and deposited in a morgue.
“Further development shall be communicated, please.”
