A tragic incident in Akure, Ondo State, has brought a renewed call for caution on food safety after a woman and her four grandchildren died from suspected food poisoning. The victims, including the grandmother, Mrs. Esther Adeola, and her four young grandchildren, lost their lives after consuming what is believed to have been contaminated pap (fermented cornmeal) and fish.
The incident, which occurred at Gaga Street, Oke Aro, Akure, highlights the potential dangers of consuming improperly handled or contaminated food. Mrs. Adeola died first on Saturday, while her grandchildren, aged nine, eight, six, and three, succumbed the following day, all experiencing severe vomiting and stomach pain.
According to reports from a neighbor, Isaac, two other children who shared the same meal are still receiving treatment in a hospital. Isaac added, “We initially thought the pap was poisoned, but later we also heard that the family might have eaten fish from a contaminated pond in their compound.”
Ademola Adeola, the father of the deceased children, recounted the heart-wrenching ordeal, sharing how his children fell ill shortly after eating the meal on Saturday. Despite rushing them to the hospital, their condition worsened. “They started vomiting and complaining of stomach pain immediately after consuming the pap. By the time we reached the hospital, it was too late,” he lamented.
This incident serves as a grim reminder for families to take extra precautions when preparing meals. It is crucial to ensure that food is sourced from hygienic environments, thoroughly washed, cooked at the right temperatures, and stored correctly to avoid contamination. Moreover, inspecting food items like fish, which can easily spoil or become toxic if exposed to certain environmental conditions, is essential.
Dr. Banji Ajaka, the state Commissioner for Health, urged the public to remain cautious. While denying allegations of medical negligence, he stressed that foodborne illnesses can have fatal outcomes if not treated swiftly. He also urged households to be aware of the symptoms of food poisoning, including vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, and to seek immediate medical help.
”This tragic case underscores the critical need for people to be vigilant about what they eat. Contamination can occur at any stage—whether during food preparation, storage, or sourcing. In this case, the possibility of both the pap and the fish being contaminated emphasizes how multiple food items can pose health risks if not properly handled or inspected.
“ Ultimately, food safety is a shared responsibility—starting from proper sourcing and preparation to recognizing early symptoms of food poisoning. In a world where access to fresh and safe food is not always guaranteed, vigilance can be the difference between life and death.” He added
The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, but the cause of the poisoning remains uncertain. Whether it was from the pap, the fish, or both, this heartbreaking event should prompt everyone to be more mindful of the food they consume.
