Five worshipers in a white garment church in Ibadan Oyo State have been confirmed dead after taking part in a religious feast tagged Ïpese” or love feast”.”
Hospital sources also confirmed that more than 50 worshipers were treated and discharged after they were rushed to the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo area of the city.
According to a member of the religious group who spoke to journalists, but pleaded anonymity, the cause of the deaths had not been determined at the time the 50 people were discharged from the hospital.
Confirming the incident, the source stated that the feast consisted of beans meal and that most members of the group took part and thereafter complained of discomfort.
He said:
“I ate the same beans that everyone else, including the victims, ate, and nothing happened to me
“It’s not clear that the incident is related to the Ipese, as some people are claiming. Various government agencies, including the police, DSS, media outlets, and even the World Health Organization, have been here to investigate. Their findings haven’t been made public yet, but I can assure you it’s not about Ipese.”
A staff of the Infectious Disease Centre, who spoke to the Punch newspaper confirmed the incident stating that 50 of the victims were indeed rushed to the centre had been treated and discharged.
“Some of the affected people were brought here for treatment. So far, 50 have been discharged, while others are still receiving care” the hospital staff told the Punch.
Also, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, but insisted that the incident was still being investigated and the police will make the outcome of the investigation public at the appropriate time.