The family of Mrs. Esther Adeola, a grandmother who died alongside her four grandchildren due to suspected food poisoning, is urging the Ondo State Government to launch an investigation into the tragic incident. The deaths occurred after the family consumed contaminated food in the Gaga area of Oke Aro, Akure, the state capital.
The 68-year-old grandmother passed away shortly after eating the meal, while her grandchildren, aged nine, eight, six, and three, died the following day at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) due to alleged inadequate medical intervention.
Ademola Adeola, the son of the deceased grandmother, disclosed that the victims began vomiting and experiencing severe stomach pains shortly after eating pap on Saturday. Despite rushing them to UNIMEDTH, efforts to save them reportedly failed, leading the family to question the hospital’s ability to handle such emergencies.
“I observed that they started vomiting and complaining of stomach ache, so I rushed them to the hospital. One of the doctors even suggested I give them palm oil, saying he was unsure of what treatment to provide,” Ademola explained, blaming the medications administered for their deaths.
However, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, refuted these allegations, stating that four consultants and other medical personnel were involved in trying to save the victims. He emphasized that the hospital was not lacking in facilities or expertise, calling the incident deeply unfortunate and expressing sympathy for the family.
