‘I Poisoned Food To Punish Community’

The police command in Cross River State has confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Paul Nchui, for allegedly poisoning food at a restaurant in Ogoja. ASP Irene Ugbo, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the arrest to newsmen yesterday in Calabar.

The incident occurred on Friday, March 24 at Oboso community in Ogoja Local Council, leaving 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 was reportedly seen by many people at the scene of the crime.

“I wish to inform you that Mr. Paul Nchui, a suspect, who poisoned a restaurant in Oboso community in Ogoja has been arrested. The suspect is in our custody, we will charge him to court as soon as we conclude our investigation,’’ Ugbo said.

The PPRO said the suspect had confessed to the crime, adding that some victims of the food poison had been discharged after treatment. The reason for the suspect’s action was not confirmed by the police but it is speculated that the suspect has confessed that he poisoned the restaurant to punish the community for the treatment meted on him.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong, said the 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.

The Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, assured the victims of 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.