Kogi Amala Tragedy: Widow Loses Husband, Two Children as Death Toll Rises to Seven

Mama Rahama narrowly escaped death after losing husband, two children to suspected food poisoning as four more children die in Ikoyi community

A devastating tragedy has struck communities in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where seven people have reportedly died after consuming meals prepared from cassava flour in two separate incidents within less than two weeks. A widow, Mama Rahama, has recounted her harrowing experience of losing her husband and two children to suspected food poisoning after they ate amala, a local delicacy made from cassava flour.

The first incident occurred in Ohuepe community on August 14, 2026, when Mama Rahama’s husband, Rahama, and two of her children, Rabiyat and Samad, died within hours of each other at Ado Ozuka Hospital in Ogaminana. The victims had consumed the amala for dinner two days prior and began experiencing severe weakness, vomiting, and stomach pains before their conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Speaking from her home in Ohuepe, Mama Rahama recounted how she narrowly escaped death because she ate only a small quantity of the meal. She had just been discharged from hospital and had poor appetite, which she believes saved her life. Her four-year-old son, Mikail, also survived after refusing to eat the food altogether.

“Except my four-year-old last born, Mikail, who refused to eat the food, my husband, Rahama, Rabiyat, Samad, Senani and Haliru ate the amala for dinner,” she said. “I could only take a little because I had poor appetite and had just been discharged from hospital.”

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She described the rapid deterioration of her family members, saying the situation became worse the following day. “As the situation became worse, four of us were rushed to Ado Ozuka Hospital in Ogaminana. But Rabiyat died, followed by Samad and later my husband, all within a few hours on the same day.”

The tragedy deepened when four more children died in the neighbouring Ikoyi community after eating a similar meal prepared from cassava flour. Residents reported that nine people from two families ate the meal last Thursday evening, with some consuming leftovers the following morning. According to Al-Hassan Idris, a resident, those who ate the food began experiencing weakness, followed by stooling and vomiting of blood. Two children died on Friday and the remaining two on Saturday. A dog that was given leftover food also reportedly vomited and died, further raising alarm about the contamination of the cassava flour.

The incidents have thrown communities in the area into fear, with several other victims currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The Kogi State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directing the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive inquiry. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the investigation would determine whether the food consumed by the victims was contaminated or whether other medical or environmental factors contributed to the deaths. Relevant samples and evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.

The chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Monday Amoka, confirmed that samples of the suspected food had been collected and sent to a medical laboratory in Lokoja for analysis. Efforts were also being intensified to save the five other victims who were still receiving treatment.

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A medical consultant in Lokoja, Dr Ahmed Okolo, has urged relevant authorities to urgently trace the source of the flour used to prepare the suspected poisonous food and subject it to laboratory analysis to determine the substance involved. He noted that the rapid deterioration of the victims suggested that poisoning should be considered alongside other possible causes.

“The raw material could have been contaminated at the source, by the seller or middlemen in an attempt to preserve it or increase its quality or quantity. People now add different substances to preserve raw or processed food materials. In some cases, these preservatives alter their contents and become harmful to the body,” he said.

Okolo also called for post-mortem examinations on the victims to establish the cause of death. He said pathologists should examine the bodies to determine what caused the failure of vital organs. “Post-mortem examinations can help identify the poison, determine how it affected the organs and establish the actual cause of death,” he said.

Some residents have suggested that the deaths may be linked to the consumption of a poisonous cassava variety popularly called “bitter cassava” , which can be dangerous if not properly processed before consumption. They called for authorities to investigate the cassava being consumed in the affected communities, particularly those sourced from nearby towns or farms.

The tragic incident has revived memories of a similar tragedy in Kogi State in November 2016, when nine people died after consuming cassava flour meal in the Ogaminana area of Okene. Mama Rahama, who has since been discharged from hospital, appealed to the Kogi State Government and individuals to support the surviving members of her family. The government has urged residents to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and verified facts emerge.

MUSCOYS Honours Pioneering Educationist with Commendation Award

Dr. Abdul-Hameed Celebrated for Transformative Leadership in Tertiary Education

The Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) has presented an Award of Commendation to Engineer Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education development and community service.

The prestigious honour was conferred during the organisation’s General Assembly and Transition Programme, held on Sunday, 23rd August 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed, who served as the Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, was celebrated for his visionary leadership and instrumental role in establishing the institution during its critical early stages. His tenure is widely regarded as a benchmark for institution-building and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Malam Ibrahim Agunbiade, a member of Rabwah Islamic Propagation based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, described the honour as a well-earned tribute to a man whose career has been defined by excellence, selfless service, and intellectual commitment.

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“Being entrusted with the responsibility of pioneering an institution requires vision, competence, courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service,” Agunbiade stated. “Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s contribution to the development of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, deserves to be remembered and celebrated.”

Agunbiade emphasised that the award goes beyond ceremonial recognition, noting that it highlights the enduring impact of dedicated service to education and humanity. He added that it reinforces the importance of appreciating individuals who devote their lives to building institutions and advancing society.

“I am particularly delighted by this recognition because Dr. Abdul-Hameed is not only a distinguished professional and accomplished educationist but also a valued member of my extended family,” Agunbiade said. “It is a source of immense personal joy and pride to witness his years of service being publicly acknowledged by the Muslim Ummah of Oyo State.”

He further described the commendation as a powerful signal that community service and institutional leadership should be preserved as enduring legacies for future generations.

Concluding his message, Agunbiade offered prayers for the awardee: “May Almighty Allah continue to grant you sound health, wisdom, strength, and renewed opportunities to serve humanity. May He preserve the positive legacy you have built, increase you in beneficial knowledge and honour, and make your contributions to education, community development, and society a source of continuous reward.”

The Award of Commendation adds to the growing recognition of Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s impactful career and his lasting contributions to educational leadership in Oyo State and across Nigeria.