Local gin consumption kills two in Edo

Female-led robbery gang snatches bus
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TWO persons have reportedly died after consuming local gin, popularly known as Ogogoro, in South Ugieda, Etsako West Local Council of Edo State. The incident occurred in Ugieda community on Tuesday.

It was gathered that five of the victims had complained of acute stomach discomfort after taking the substance, which they bought from a yet-to-be-identified seller, who brought the gin to the community.

“After they had consumed the Ogogoro, they began complaining of stomach ache. Unfortunately, the two died while three are currently hospitalised at the hospital,” a witness said.

However, the Aidonigie of South Ibie, Alhaji Kelvin Danisi, who confirmed the incident, noted that the condition of the remaining victims was critical. “I got report that two people have died and three others are still critically ill at the hospital. So, we are doing everything to make sure that such things do not happen again,” Danisi said.

“I have already summoned a meeting of all those that are into the sale of alcohol and we are going to place a ban on illicit gin.

The Chairman, Etsako-West Local Council, Mr. Yesufu Busari, who confirmed the incident, said that a ban would be placed on consumption of local gin. Busari said the council would liaise with relevant stakeholders, especially dealers in local gin, to educate and enlighten the people on current happenings.

He appealed to the people to immediately desist from consuming locally-brewed gin.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Osifo, was not available when contacted yesterday.

Meanwhile, panic gripped major commercial transport owners in Edo State following the snatching of an 18-seater Hiace Bus belonging to Agbonifo Line Nigeria Limited by a suspected female led robbery gang. She was said to have dressed in fake nurse uniform‎.

The vehicle with Registration No: DGE 317XB and chassis No: JTFRX12PV08042624 was snatched at a gun point along the Ekpoma – Agbor road after the driver of the bus, Tony Nwaosa, was said to have been chartered by the said female armed robber from their park at Ekpoma local council of Edo State.