The number of deaths recorded in Nguru, Ngor Okpala LGA, which began last Thursday, after as consumption of Oil Bean Salad, by the Nwosu family has continued to rise by the day.
In the last count yesterday, the death toll has risen to eight, which has now thrown the entire Nguru Community into confusion, as what exactly is the cause of these number of deaths.
First to go was Mrs Gladys Nwosu, a widow, who died last Thursday evening, followed by her two children, including Chinelo, a final year student who just visited home to collect money for her clearance at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in preparation of her Youth Service programme.
After Chinelo, her other siblings followed in sequence, until the number hit eight yesterday.
Unfortunately, the deaths have remained a mystery as no one can hazard what caused the deaths. The Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, and General Hospital, Umuneke, where the dead victims were taken to are both compounding the situation as they individually gave different reasons as the causes of these sudden deaths, which usually began with the victims groaning of severe stomach pains.
While Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre Owerri were alleged to have said the deaths were caused by Lasser Fever, transmitted deadly rats Doctors at General Hospital Umuneke said they died of food poisoning.
Speaking to the President-General of Nguru/Umuowa Autonomous Community, Mr Linus Eke, he said that the village has been thrown into mourning, while the people are yet to dscipher what exactly is the real cause of the tragedy.
Mr Eke disclosed that when he learnt of the first mysterious death on Thursday, he immediately communicated Ngor Okpala Police DPO, who arrived the scene, with his men.
He however said that it was unfortunate that uptil yesterday, Government has not sent any representative to come to the aid of the Community, and the family who lost eight members in a swoop.
Speaking to Trumpeta, a prominent son of Ngor Okpala who has sent relieve materials to the people of Nguru, Chief Bona Nwoke Dike sympathized with the people and regretted that such a thing happened yet those who should take care of such situations are no where to be found.
Meanwhile, Trumpeta learnt that three people also died in Umuohiagu, in Ngor Okpala LGA after eating Oil Bean Salad (Ugba) and are still lying in the mortuary. Same for about another three people also in Ogbeke Community in Owerri North LGA. They are still not buried.
