A tragic event unfolded at a white-garment church in Ibadan, Oyo State, where five worshippers lost their lives, and several others are receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) in Olodo.
The incident occurred during a local feast, known as “Ipese,” which took place during a Sunday service last week. The deaths have raised serious concerns over the safety of the feast.
As of Saturday night, about 50 worshippers have been discharged after receiving medical care, according to IDC officials. The incident has drawn the attention of government agencies, including the police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the World Health Organization (WHO), who are all investigating the cause.
A source from the church shared with Vanguard that the cause of the deaths is still unknown. “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims, and nothing happened to me,” he said, urging caution in linking the tragedy solely to the “Ipese” feast.
Multiple agencies have visited the church for fact-finding, but their results have not yet been released. There are also rumors that the church has been shut down, which the source dismissed. “The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors and is currently undergoing tests,” he clarified.
A senior medical staff member from IDC confirmed the ongoing treatment of affected worshippers. “So far, 50 patients have been treated and discharged, with others still under observation,” he said. The state commissioner for health is expected to provide further updates on the incident next week.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, also confirmed that investigations are underway to uncover the root cause of this tragedy.
