Tragedy struck Umueze, Umuakanu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State yesterday when no fewer than seven persons from the same family died after eating the popular barbecue known as suya with an undisclosed juice.
Father of the house whose name was given as Mr. Jessey who had gone out earlier in the day, was said to have bought the suya from where all the family members, including four extended family members who came on holidays, ate.
It was gathered that trouble began for members of the family when few minutes after eating the suya suspected to have been poisoned, started vomiting.
A source told Daily Sun that before any help could come the way of the family members, they were all dead, except the wife of Mr. Jessey, Mrs. Ogba Jessey.
While one of their son’s survived because he was at school and could not partake in the eating of the suya, Mrs Jessey is said to be unconscious and is receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia and she was unaware that other members of the family were dead.
The deceased have been deposited in the morgue while the surviving victims are currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the sad development, Abia state government while commiserating with the family, called for calm and patience to enable the relevant authorities carry out the necessary investigation.
In a Government Special Announcement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, he disclosed that the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has paid for the medical bills of the survivors and efforts underway for a proper autopsy.
The announcement reads:
“Abia State Government has received the sad report involving a family in Umueze, Umuahia North LGA, where some of its members allegedly died as a result of food poisoning after consumption of barbecue meat popularly known as suya and some fruit juice.
“While we commiserate with the family and friends of the bereaved, we wish to call for calm and patience to enable relevant medical authorities properly determine the cause of death of the seven persons that reportedly lost their lives.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed authorities of the relevant medical facility where the surviving family members were treated and discharged to ensure a comprehensive autopsy for those who lost their lives.
“As is the standard practice worldwide, only a proper medical autopsy can determine the cause of death and as soon as the report is available we will make same public.
“The government wishes to call on all citizens and residents to maintain vigilance and remain law abiding as we have mobilized all relevant agencies of government to properly investigate the incident.
“Meanwhile, the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has fully settled the medical bills of the survivors who are now back home.”
