Deaths after cassava-flour meal demand a thorough investigation

The deaths of four members of the same family in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State after they allegedly ate amala made from cassava flour require a thorough investigation, the editorial says. Concern grew after the family dog that consumed the same food also died.

Governor Usman Ododo has reportedly ordered an investigation, but similar incidents in the past have produced no results. The episode has renewed concern over people dying from food that should sustain them.

Cassava dishes are widely eaten in Nigeria and across parts of Africa and South America. They are especially important to poorer communities. Experts, however, warn that inadequately processed cassava roots and leaves contain linamarin, which converts into cyanide when eaten. High cyanide levels can cause illness during processing and may prove fatal when ingested.

Traditional processing methods, including crushing, soaking and fermenting in water, then baking, can reduce the toxic content in both sweet and bitter cassava. The editorial warns that producers increasingly use shortcuts, leaving enough linamarin to cause acute intoxication, goiter and death. Malnourished people face greater danger because they lack amino acids needed to detoxify the poison.

Experts have called for standards on tolerable cyanide levels in cassava foods, although some argue that such standards would be difficult to enforce. The editorial instead urges authorities to raise awareness among producers and ensure strict compliance with food-preservation laws. It identifies food safety as a longstanding challenge in Nigeria and calls for faster action.