A tragic incident at a white-garment church in Ibadan has led to the deaths of five worshippers and left several others hospitalized.
The victims fell ill after participating in a traditional feast, known as “ipese” in Yoruba, held during a church service last Sunday, Sunday Tribune reports.
According to the report, about 50 worshippers have been discharged from the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo, Ibadan, Oyo State, where they received treatment. However, others remain hospitalised.
The cause of the illness and deaths is currently unknown.
The Ipese feast, a traditional event integral to the church’s doctrine, has come under scrutiny following the tragic incident. According to a church insider, it remains unclear whether the feast was directly responsible for the deaths, as the medical cause has yet to be determined.
The source told Sunday Tribune “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims and nothing happened to me.
“The incident was not all about ‘Ipese’ as made to believe.
“The various organs of government, including the police, Directorate of State Services, (DSS), media organisations, World Health Organisation (WHO) have been to this place on a fact-finding mission.
“Their findings are yet to be made public, but I can tell you that it is not about ipese as being insinuated.
“It is true that some victims are still undergoing treatment at IDC Olodo.
“Also, there is no iota of truth in the rumour that the church premises have been put under lock and key.
“The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors since morning. He is taking his test. You (our correspondent) can’t see him now unless you come tomorrow during the service.”
A senior medical staff member at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) Olodo, who wished to remain anonymous, reportedly corroborated the incident.
The source revealed that of the victims brought to the centre, “50 of them have been treated and discharged” as of Saturday. Others remain hospitalised.
An official briefing by the State Commissioner for Health is slated for next week, promising fresh insights into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Adewale Osifeso verified the incident, stating that “investigation is ongoing on the matter”.
