Family of Five Dies in Enugu After Suspected Food Poisoning Amid Alleged Death Threats

A family of five has died in Akpani Neke Autonomous Community, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, after a suspected case of food poisoning, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

The victims were identified as Barnabas Ikechukwu Ikeze, his wife Angela, and their three children, Divine, Gift, and Victor. The only surviving member of the household is their eldest son, Marvellous.

Pastor Ignatius Ikeze, elder brother to the deceased, confirmed the incident to journalists in Enugu on Thursday, September 11, 2025. He said the tragedy occurred between August 30 and 31, a week after a man in the community allegedly threatened to “wipe out the entire family” following a land dispute.

According to him, the family had dinner on Friday, August 29, and by the next morning developed severe stomach cramps. They were rushed to FaithLand Clinic in Ikem, headquarters of Isi-Uzo LGA, since no functional hospital exists in Neke. Divine died on the way, while Gift passed away upon arrival at the hospital. The remaining four were admitted but later also died, leaving only Marvellous alive.

Pastor Ikeze recalled that while at the hospital, a nurse was allegedly caught removing oxygen from Angela’s nose and attempting to put something in her mouth. He claimed the woman was reported to the police but later released. He further alleged that the community member who had threatened the family visited the hospital to check if they had died, heightening suspicion of foul play.

The pastor stated that the police arrested the principal suspect and took him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, but the nurse was set free despite protests from the family. He added that a doctor at the hospital advised him to “let the dead rest,” a suggestion he rejected.

He said the only surviving child, Marvellous, is currently receiving medical care after being transferred from FaithLand Clinic to the Niger Foundation Specialist Hospital and later to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.

Pastor Ikeze appealed to the Enugu State Government to intervene and ensure justice is served, insisting his brother, sister-in-law, and their children must not die in vain.