By Abigail Philip David
A grieving man, Ademola Adeola, has called on the Ondo State Government to investigate the deaths of his mother and four children, who allegedly died from food poisoning after consuming pap in Akure, the state capital.
The tragic incident occurred at Gaga Street, Oke Aro, Akure, claiming the lives of Mrs. Esther Adeola and her four grandchildren, aged nine, eight, six, and three, between Saturday and Sunday.
According to reports, Mrs. Adeola was the first to pass away shortly after eating the pap, while the children died the next day after suffering severe vomiting and stomach pain.
Recounting the ordeal on Tuesday, Ademola explained that his children became seriously ill after consuming the pap on Saturday morning. He rushed them to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure, but despite his efforts, they could not be saved.
“They started vomiting and complaining of stomach pain after taking the pap. I rushed them to the General Hospital at UNIMED, where a doctor suggested giving them palm oil. Despite the treatment, they didn’t survive,” Ademola said.
He expressed frustration, accusing the hospital of lacking the necessary facilities and criticizing the doctors’ handling of the situation. Ademola claimed the doctors seemed unsure about the proper course of action.
“I overheard one doctor say they didn’t know what to do. Later, they administered some drugs, which I believe contributed to their deaths,” he added.
The family has since buried the five victims, leaving them in deep mourning.
In response to the allegations, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, refuted claims of negligence, stating that a team of doctors, including four consultants, worked diligently to save the children.
“I was present at the hospital. The medical team did everything possible, but sadly, the children couldn’t be saved. It’s not true that the hospital lacked the necessary facilities,” Dr. Ajaka explained.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed they are investigating the incident. Although the matter was not formally reported to the police, officers from the B Division have visited the family’s residence to assess the situation.
The command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, said, “Our officers have visited the house to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.”
