TRAGEDY AS 24 FAMILY MEMBERS DIES AFTER CONSUMING FERTILIZER.

24 people of the same family from Danzake village, Sokoto state in northern Nigeria have died after eating poisoned food.

The state’s commissioner for health Ali Inname said that the family used a fertilizer that goes by the name ‘Gishirin Lalle’ in Hausa, thinking that it was salt while preparing their meal.

The 24 victims are said to be members of an extended family living together in a compound.

According to Inname, the entire family ate the meal except for two members who had just tasted the food. The two are currently receiving treatment in a health facility.

“Regrettably, the entire family who ate the meal lost their lives except two female members who merely tasted the food and are currently responding to treatment, with very good chances of survival,” he said.

The commissioner said that they tried all they could to save the lives of the family members but their efforts were futile.

“Attempts to save the lives of all the affected people by providing the needed medical care proved abortive,” he added.

Following the incident, the commissioner has advised locals to keep away poisonous chemicals from easy reach and to always separate storage sites for food items from other agricultural and cosmetic items and to carefully check all ingredients and foodstuff before use.

Considering the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, the government official further advised the locals to observe hygiene and keep clean their water sources.

“Wells should have covers to prevent contamination from faces of surface water after rainfall. The water should be boiled before use, especially in rural areas,” Inname added.

He told them to visit health facilities in case they experience unusual symptoms.

“Report to a health facility or isolation camp in your area early when you observe any unusual symptoms or unusual conditions,” he appealed to residents.

Sourced from Sonko news