A tragic incident has occurred in the Egba area of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, where a widow, Amina Isah, along with her six children and grandchildren, fell seriously ill after consuming pap. The family, which includes children identified as Benjamin, Piko, Esther, Hassan Emmanuel, and two others, was quickly taken to a local private clinic following reports of severe vomiting.
According to a local resident, the elderly widow and three of her grandchildren were unconscious when they arrived at the clinic. The attending physician, Dr. Oyaje Sule, who owns the clinic, confirmed the emergency treatment of the family members. He disclosed that the family had inadvertently used remnants of guinea corn mixed with agricultural chemicals intended for planting to prepare the pap.
Dr. Sule stated, “It is true they brought a woman who I have known in the community, alongside her six family members to my clinic this morning. The ages of the patients range from three to 30 years, including their elderly grandmother.”
Fortunately, Dr. Sule reported that the unconscious patients have been revived and are currently under observation. He emphasized the dangers associated with using chemical-treated crops for food preparation, stating, “It was after they consumed the pap that they began to experience vomiting and loss of consciousness.”
This incident highlights urgent food safety concerns in the community and serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of contaminated food sources. ECNETNews will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they develop.
