Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered an autopsy to be conducted on the corpse of the family of 7 who allegedly died of food poisoning after eating barbecue at Umueze Umuakanu community in Umuahia council area of the state.
The Governor had also settled the medical bills of the survivors who had been treated and discharged and returned home.
The 7 family members, including extended ones who came on holidays, had died yesterday after eating suya and fruit juice.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Governor commiserated with the bereaved family and called for calm and patience to enable medical authorities to determine the actual cause of death of the seven persons.
He directed authorities of the medical facility where the surviving family members were treated and discharged to ensure a comprehensive autopsy for those who lost their lives.
“As is the standard practice worldwide, only a proper medical autopsy can determine the cause of death and as soon as the report is available we will make same public.
“The government wishes to call on all citizens and residents to maintain vigilance and remain law abiding as we have mobilized all relevant agencies of government to properly investigate the incident.
“Meanwhile, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has fully settled the medical bills of the survivors who are now back home.”
