Osun State Government is investigating a reported case of food poisoning at James Primary School B, located in Owo-Ope, Osogbo.
Eighteen pupils were hospitalized after consuming a mid-day meal of rice and egg served to them under the free school feeding program of the state government. The incident occurred on Monday, December 11, 2023, causing panic, especially among parents of the affected pupils.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, released a statement saying that Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.
The victims have been treated and discharged from hospitals, according to the statement.
“Osun State Government has ordered full investigations into the reported cases of food poisoning at St James primary School B, Owoope Osogbo,” the statement read.
“The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him by the Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs Grace Ayodele. The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.
“The affected cooks in the said schools alongside the planning officer for the O-Meal program have also been summoned to a meeting by Tuesday morning. Additionally, the governor has directed enforcement of food standards and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrences.
“Meanwhile, the government is settling the medical bills of the affected students as narrated by the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr Nathaniel Ojetola. The LGEA Chairman who was at the forefront of the intervention efforts disclosed that a total number of 18 students were treated and discharged.
The total student population of the school is 200 while 103 are within the population receiving food from the O-Meal Programme. A government delegation is also visiting families of the affected students.
A video posted online shows three of the victims receiving treatment via drip.
One of the victims recounted being served rice with egg, after which they started experiencing digestive issues.
Parents of the victims noticed a foul smell from the egg their children were served when they returned home from school on Monday. Shortly after, their children began experiencing gastrointestinal issues, raising concerns about the food served by the vendor.
A parent named Iya Taye stated that her three children returned home weak, vomiting, and experiencing frequent gastrointestinal issues after consuming the food at school.
She confirmed that her children became unwell after consuming the food in school.
Authorities at the school revealed that over 50 pupils were affected in some way by the alleged food poisoning.
She said: “I have invited doctor to treat my children. Other parent took their children to hospital but I have a doctor relation who helped me. My children are receiving treatment inside.She alleged saboteurs in the school feeding program, noting that he children are receiving treatment at hShe said: “I have invited doctor to treat my children. Other parent took their children to hospital but I have a doctor relation who helped me. My children are receiving treatment inside.
