The
arrest of a 35-year-old man, Paul Nchui, has been confirmed by yhe Police in Cross River for allegedly poisoning food at a restaurant in Ogoja.
ASP Irene Ugbo, the State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the arrest yesterday in Calabar, said that the restaurant’s owner, Mrs Anna Erah, and her husband, Mr. Edward Erah, died shortly after eating the food.
Recall that the incident occurred Friday at Oboso community in Ogoja Local Government Area and left two persons dead, while 44 others were hospitalised at the Ogoja General Hospital.
It was gathered that the suspect was reportedly seen by many people at the scene of the crime.
Ugbo said: “I wish to inform you that one Mr Paul Nchui, a suspect who poisoned food at 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 investigations.”
The PPRO, who disclosed 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, also disclosed that symptoms displayed by the victims included vomiting, foaming in the mouth, body weakness and spitting of blood.
He said: “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.”
Mr. John Inaku, Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, also assured the victims of the government’s support.
He commended the management of the Oboso hospital for their prompt response in evacuating the victims to the Ogoja General Hospital.
