By Deborah Nnamdi
The Taraba State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the death of five children from suspected food poisoning in Takum town, headquarters of Takum Local Government Area, while eight others are receiving treatment in hospital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the children reportedly consumed suspected poisoned meat during a Ramadan lecture held on Tuesday. He disclosed that the victims were from three different families.
According to him, an investigation has commenced to determine the exact cause of the incident and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious food items, sudden illnesses, or related incidents to security agencies to forestall further occurrences.
Reacting to the development, a Jalingo-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Bilyaminu Maihanci, called on the Taraba State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the matter.
Maihanci described the incident as heartbreaking and urged authorities to ensure justice for the affected families, stressing that those found culpable must be held accountable.
