Tragedy occurred in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State as three siblings from the same family lost their lives after consuming beans purchased from Garriki Market. The incident which reportedly happened on Tuesday in Agu-Uwani, Akwuke, has raised apprehension over the safety of beans sold in various markets in the state.
The victims were children of Mr. Callistus Egbo, proprietor of Elohim Primary and Secondary School, Agu-Uwani, who hails from Nenwe, Aninri local government area. According to reports, the family ate the beans on Tuesday evening and soon after, they fell ill, leading to the death of one child that evening, while the other two children died on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, according to video circulating in various WhatsApp chat groups, seen by SaharaReporters on Friday, the father of the deceased children, Callistus Egbo, has been critically ill at a private hospital in Enugu. Although there hasn’t been a medical report to authenticate or establish the cause of deaths, however, it is generally suspected to be food poisoning from the contaminated beans.
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns about food safety and the importance of proper food handling and inspection. A source close to the scene of the incident said as a result of the tragedy, many people in their area now shun beans and beans-related food such as Akara and Moi Moi.
“It was indeed a big tragedy that the incident befell the family. Since the incident three or four days ago, nobody is eating beans in our area, not even Akara and Moi Moi. Go to the Garriki Market and the shops in the streets and see if there is anybody selling Moi Moi or Akara?
“We are praying that the man will not die so that his wife that travelled at the time they ate the meal will not die,” the source said.
“May the souls of the departed children rest in peace, and may their father recover soon,” said the source. Meanwhile, the authorities have remained silent over the incident as neither the police nor the state government has released an official statement on the incident.
Efforts made to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not answer his calls. Meanwhile, according to some journalists he spoke to, Ndukwe reportedly said that he was not aware of the incident.
“Did they report the incident to the police? I have not gotten such report,” he was quoted to have said.
