In the midst of the ongoing economic hardship and hunger prevalent in Nigeria, a family of six, driven by the need to alleviate their hunger, consumed 'Amala' made from cassava peels, resulting in their urgent hospitalization at Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
The distressing incident occurred on Wednesday night in Ogbomoso South/Ogo Oluwa Local Government area of the State, resulting in the unfortunate death of one family member.
According to a report by Vanguard, the family began experiencing abdominal pain hours after consuming the cassava peel-based 'Amala.' Neighbors swiftly rushed the mother, identified as Mrs. Victoria Adewole, and her five children to Ogo Oluwa Hospital, opposite Ogbomoso High School. However, due to their critical condition, they were referred to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Upon arrival at the teaching hospital, it was reported that one of the children, a granddaughter, could not be admitted as she was brought in already deceased. The remaining five family members were admitted and are currently in the intensive care unit of the hospital.
According to a source, “The family ate Amala dinner prepared from yam or cassava flour.” The source further revealed that due to financial constraints, they resorted to using cassava peels to make flour for the Amala.
“The complication from the peels might have resulted in the death of the youngest granddaughter, whose immune system might be very low. The mother and her other four children are still battling with life in the hospital. We plead with kind-hearted people to please assist the family in whatever way they can so that fatality is no longer recorded among them,” the source urged.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, confirmed the incident, stating, “The one that gave up, died before getting to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. As at this afternoon, four of the five undergoing treatment are in stable condition. However, one of them is in critical condition. I have just been updated.”
