Enugu: Three Children Die After Consuming Suspected Poisonous Beans

Heartbreaking incident at Agu-Uwani, Akwuke, Enugu South local government area, as three siblings tragically died after consuming beans believed to be contaminated. The beans were reportedly purchased from Garriki Market, prompting widespread concern regarding food safety in the area

The victims were children of Mr. Callistus Egbo, the proprietor of Elohim Primary and Secondary School in Agu-Uwani. On Tuesday evening, the family consumed the beans, leading to severe illness. One child died that evening, while the other two succumbed to their ailments the following day.

Reports indicate that Mr. Egbo himself is critically ill and receiving treatment at a private hospital in Enugu. Although no official medical report has confirmed the cause of death, food poisoning is widely suspected due to the contaminated beans.

The incident has sparked alarm in the community, leading many residents to avoid beans and related dishes such as Akara and Moi Moi. A local source expressed the collective grief, stating, “It was indeed a big tragedy that the incident befell the family. Since then, nobody is eating beans in our area.”

The community is praying for Mr. Egbo’s recovery, especially as his wife was away during the tragic meal. “May the souls of the departed children rest in peace, and may their father recover soon,” the source added.

As the situation develops, there has been a noticeable silence from local authorities, with neither the police nor the state government issuing statements regarding the incident. Efforts to contact the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful, though he reportedly claimed ignorance of the matter, stating, “Did they report the incident to the police? I have not gotten such report.”