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No fewer than five worshippers have been reported dead with several others receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) in Olodo, Oyo State, while celebrating in a church on Sunday.
The church feast, known locally as 'Ipese', took place during a service last Sunday and had raised concerns concerning its safety.
It was learnt that approximately 50 worshippers had been discharged from the IDC after receiving medical attention.
Following the tragedy, the local church community is grappling with the incident which has drawn the attention of various governmental agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to a source in the church, the cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed.
The source said, “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims, and nothing happened to me."
He emphasised that the situation should not be solely attributed to the 'Ipese' feast, adding that, “The incident is being investigated thoroughly, and it is not just about the 'Ipese' as some are suggesting.”
Officials from multiple organisations have visited the church for fact-finding missions, although their findings have not been revealed.
“There’s no truth to the rumour that the church premises have been shut down. The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors and is currently undergoing tests,” the source further clarified.
A senior medical staff member at IDC Olodo, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing treatment of affected individuals.
“As of today, 50 patients have been treated and discharged, while others remain under care. We expect the state commissioner for health to address the press about the incident next week,” he stated.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations were currently underway.
