By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)

No fewer than 22 people of the same household have been confirmed dead in Danzake village of Bargaja ward, Isa local government of Sokoto State from food poisoning, Dr Muhhammad Ali In name has said.

Dr. Inname who is the State Commissioner for

Health said the affected persons, after taking food which was mistakenly prepared with a fertilizer type of salt known as Gishirin Lalle thinking it was the common domestic cooking salt.

"The incidence was as a result of the use of a fertilizer type known as "Gishirin Lalle in Hausa" as a seasoning in domestic cooking by the family, instead of common salt", Inname regrettably said.

In a message he personally signed, Inname said, "the Sokoto State Ministry of Health with a deep feeling of sadness, hereby notifies the general public that there was an incidence of food poisoning in DANZANKE village of BARGAJA Ward of ISA Local Government of Sokoto State involving 24 people in the single compound house.

"Regrettably, the entire family who had the meal lost their lives, except two female family members who merely tested the food and are currently responding to treatment, with a very good chance of survival.

"Attempts to save the lives of all the affected people by providing the needed medical care sadly proved abortive".

While calling on the people of the state to learn from the ugly incidence and always be cautious, in order to prevent re-occurrence as experienced in Sokoto and Zamfara State earlier in the year, Dr Inname further advised that people should ensure separate storage sites for food items from other agricultural and cosmetic items as well as double-check all ingredients and foodstuff before use.

He further appealed to the people of the state to secure their food, and water storage to prevent access to files in addition to keeping their environment clean

The health commissioner who expressed the state government's condolences to the bereaved also appealed to the local people to urgently report to hospitals or isolation camps in their respective areas early when they observe any unusual symptoms or unusual conditions. NNL.