Twenty-four members of an extended family in Sokoto, on Monday, died after consuming poisonous food seasoned with fertiliser mistaken for salt.
The state Commissioner for Health, Ali Inname, who disclosed this, said the incident occurred on Monday in Danzanke village of Bargaja ward, Isa Local Government Area of the state.
The 24 victims, it was learnt, were living together in a compound.
According to the commissioner, the family mistakenly used a fertiliser popularly called ‘Gishirin Lalle’ in Hausa as food seasoning thinking it was salt.
Inname said, “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.
“Attempts to save the lives of all the affected people by providing the needed medical care proved abortive.”
The commissioner warned the people of the state to effectively keep away poisonous chemicals from being easily reached, advising them to always separate storage sites for food items from other agricultural and cosmetic items, and ensure they carefully check all ingredients and foodstuff before using them.
Ali added, “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.
“Report to health facility or isolation camp in your area early when you observe any unusual symptoms or unusual condition.”