Six people have been hospitalized after consuming a pap meal in Egba, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims include a widow, Amina Isah, her children, and grandchildren.
The affected children are identified as Benjamin, Piko, Esther, Hassan, Emmanuel, and one other. Reports indicate that they began vomiting, and the widow, along with three of the children, lost consciousness after the meal, leading locals to urgently transport them to the hospital.
A local resident, who identified himself as Adaji, confirmed the incident to newsmen, stating that the victims were taken to a nearby private clinic.
Dr. Oyaje Sule, also known as Dr. Gana, the proprietor of the clinic named ‘Dr Gana Clinic’, confirmed that he is currently treating the seven patients.
Dr. Sule explained that three of the patients, including the widow, were brought in unconscious. He further revealed that the family had used remnants of guinea corn, which had been mixed with chemicals for planting, to make the pap.
He said, “It is true they brought a woman who I have known in the community, alongside her children and grandchildren, numbering seven, to my clinic this morning.
“The woman is a widow with her three children and three grandchildren, their ages ranging from three to 30 years, aside from their grandmother who is elderly.
“When they arrived, the woman and two others were unconscious, but thankfully, they have been revived.
“I was informed that the family had mixed chemicals with guinea corn intended for planting. After planting, they brought the remaining guinea corn home, washed it, and ground it to make pap.
“After consuming the pap this morning, they began vomiting, and some of them lost consciousness before being rushed to my clinic.”
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