Cross River State police command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Paul Nchui, for poisoning food at a restaurant in Ogoja.
ASP Irene Ugbo, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident which occurred on March 24 at Oboso community in Ogoja Local Government Area and left two persons dead while 44 others were hospitalised at the Ogoja General Hospital.
The restaurant owner, Mrs Anna Erah and her husband, Mr Edward Erah, died shortly after eating the food.
“The suspect is in our custody, we will charge him to court as soon as we conclude our investigation,’’ Ugbo said.
The PPRO, who told NAN that the suspect had confessed to the crime, however said that some victims of the food poison have been discharged after treatment.
Dr Inyang Asibong, the State Commissioner for Health, said that symptoms displayed by the victims included vomiting, foaming in the mouth, body weakness and spitting of blood.
“We have dispatched a team of epidemiologists, doctors, community health workers and other related health staff to the affected community.
“They are to ascertain the real situation on ground and offer immediate medical assistance to all those affected by the poison,” she said.
Mr John Inaku, Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, also assured the victims of the State Government’s support.
He commended the management of the Oboso hospital for their prompt response in evacuating the victims to the Ogoja General Hospital for treatment.
