Umar Abdullahi 
A family of seven has died after allegedly consuming a suspected contaminated cassava delicacy in Runjn Barmo village of Kajiji District in Shagari Local Government Area of the state.
Narrating his ordeal to the state Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, who led a delegation to assess the cause of the incident, the Village Head of the area, Malam Muhammadu Magajin Runjin Barmo, said the victims prepared the cassava as their dinner.
“The victims comprised a father, Malam Abubakar, his wife, A’ishatu Abubakar as well as their five children, who all died after they ate the foods.” He further said it is yet to be confirmed, whether or not the victims died as a result of consuming the suspected contaminated cassava food in the incident which happened last Wednesday.
He said this was because the suspected cassava has been used by about five houses in the village but up to now no death was recorded. Malam Magaji therefore on behalf of the people of the area, thanked the state Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu, for showing his concern to them in that direction.
Responding, Hajiya Balarabe, said they were in the village to assess the cause of the incident for onward communication to the governor for further action.
Hajiya Balarabe said when she formally got the report of the incident, she quickly led a delegation comprising all Directors and Surveillance Disease Control Unit of the ministry to assess the situation.
The Commissioner further revealed that the ministry would take samples of one teenager who happened to be alive after eating the suspected contaminated cassava food so as to confirm whether the victims died in that process.
The commissioner on behalf of Governor Aliyu Sokoto condoled with people of the area over the incident and prayed to Allah to forgive those who lost their lives.
