Reactions as family of 11 die of food poisoning in Idoma community

Pst. Comr Ojotu Ojema on Sunday, 20th November, 2022 visited family of 11 people who lost their lives as a result of food poisoning at Ikobi Community in Apa LGA of Benue State.

In his condolence message to Ayigoche and Ayigoga families at Inowa community in Ikobi, Pst Ojema said, his mission was not politically motivated but inline with the Biblical injunction which says we should mourn with those who mourn and celebrate with those who celebrate, saying he was here to commiserate with the bereaved families of those who lost their lives.

The immediate past Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Benue State and PDP HoR candidate added that, he received the news about the mysterious deaths with rude shock and had to postpone all his official engagements to enable him visit and sympathize with them, declaring that their death would mark the end of mysterious and untimely deaths in the community.

Ojema prayed God to give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.

Responding, Acting beaded Chief of Ikobi, Chief Musa Audi through the Secretary, Ikobi Traditional Council, Abogonye Ochola John, thanked Ojema for coming, making him the first public figure to come and commiserate with them.

While narrating the calamity that befell the community, Mr Abogonye said, “it remains a mystery, saying if not God, there would have been a total turmoil as the situation has resulted to suspicion, hatred and blame game among families in the community.”

He thanked the Apa/Agatu House of Reps Hopeful for coming, assuring him that even though his mission was not politically motivated, the entire people of Ikobi community would mobilise and give him support.

A resident, Otache Amili in his vote of thanks said, Ojema has demonstrated through this singular visit that he would always be there for their people anytime, pledging total support for Ojema.

Similarly, the former State Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiation I, II&III, Benue State and Former National President, National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS) was at OleG’Oke in Ikobi to console with the families of Abu Aboje, Daniel and Edoh over the loss of their love ones through same way, praying God to wash away their tears and end untimely deaths in the community.

Mr Usman Udenyi who spoke on behalf of the traumatized families, thanked Comr Ojema as the first political figure to show a sincere love to them through the visit, wishing him and his entourage safe journey back to their various destinations.

“11 people lost their lives after eating a food suspected to have been contaminated with a harmful chemicals.

“Those who lost their lives include:

1. Adi Ale
2. Ochefije Ojo
3. Maria Ojo
4. Aipu Ochefije
5. Aboyi Ngbede Ochefije
6. . Mary Ochoyoda
7. Ehi Abu
8. Blessing Abu
9. Peace Ochoyoda
10. Ojochono Daniel
11. Favour Edoh

“One man alone, Ochoyoda Abu lost his wife (Mary), two sisters (Ehi and Blessing) and a daughter (Peace).” He said.

Comr Ojema was accompanied on the visit by Elder Agada Ilodu, Barr Oche, Hon Ochekwu Emmanuel, SSA to Gov of Benue State on Politics, Hon Kingsley Unah Iklaga, SSA to Gov of Benue State on Media, Hon Olikita Ekani, Apa LGA Secretary and other party stalwarts from Apa LGA and his PA, Dan Amos