22 Persons Die In Rivers After Consuming Local Gin, Dog Meat

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News From The State Thursday, June 4th, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara – No fewer than 22 persons have been confirmed dead in Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor Council Areas of Rivers state, after allegedly consuming local gin popularly known ‘Kai-Kai’.

The victims, African Examiner also gathered were believed to have eaten ‘Dog Meat delicacy’ believed to contain poisonous ethanol.

A youth leader and spokesman for Bonny Kingdom, who identified himself as Simon Wilcox, confirmed the death of 17 persons after the consumption of the toxic local brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.

He told newsmen on Wednesday that “As I speak to you, 17 persons have been confirmed dead, we are going to the hospital to attend to those who are lying critically ill.

“We need the help of World Health Organization, WHO, Federal and state Government agencies to assist people of Bonny kingdom.”

Our Correspondent recalled that at least, five persons had earlier been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor Council area after eating dog meat delicacy, popularly referred to as ‘404’ allegedly prepared by one Friday Dickson, (aka) “Etiaba” who hails from Akwa-Ibom state.

However, the Rivers State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 persons.

In a statement made available to newsmen from the office of the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Somieari Isaac-Harry said a “visit to the home of the dead revealed that the deceased persons had the following symptoms before their demise vomiting, difficulty in breathing, visual difficulties with some blindness.

“These symptoms according to Dr. Harry, are suggestive of ethanol poisoning resulting from consumption of local gin and agrees with the findings in the case of Ondo State where a similar thing occurred recently”.

The statement which was economical with the real number of the dead victims, advised residents of the state to avoid the consumption of local gin for now, be vigilant and report all cases to the nearest health facilities.