Encomium
The death of six siblings in Ekwulumili, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the Anambra state on Saturday, July 16, 2016, after eating Jollof Rice and Beans prepared by their own mother sparked controversies across Nigeria. Sequel to the unfortunate act, more details have emerged revealing contamination by preservative chemical as the actual cause of the unfortunate death rather than an attack or a deliberate food poisoning as speculated by bewildered public.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr Hosea Karma, after careful investigation has made some clarifications on the incident. In his words: “The parents of the children, who spoke with us, did not tell us that anybody poisoned or killed their children. The mother of the children told us that the children died after eating a meal she cooked by herself and served to her children by herself.
“So why should we start arresting people on the issue when the parents of the children have not said they were suspecting that somebody poisoned their food or killed their children?
“The six children died after eating their mother’s food.”
A prominent elder from the community ruled out the possibility of some individuals deliberately carrying out such act which he described as ‘diabolical’. He maintained : “Nobody killed them. They died after eating jollof rice and beans. One of them first complained of runny stomach before giving up. So, nobody killed them. Our suspicion is that the beans might be contaminated by preservative chemical.
“Ekwulumili is not known for such diabolic acts. We’re predominantly a Christian community with ancestral consanguinity and affinity. So, nobody can think of such an evil act here. Why should somebody think of killing such innocent souls?”
There had been speculation that the six siblings died resulting from some demonic attack, after their parents had a heated quarrel with a family relation over a piece of family farmland.
According to the Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Ali Okechukwu, some infuriated youths of the community restrained the Anambra State Police Command while carrying out their investigations by being hostile to the investigating police team. He said: “I don’t know what their problem is. They are hostile to our men, especially that first day.
“They didn’t allow our men (police) to enter the community to carry out investigations. They blocked everywhere.”
The parents who are still in utter distress are yet to make public any details concerning the burial of their children whose deaths still remain puzzling.
– ‘Seyifunmi Adebote for encomium.ng
