In a tragic and mysterious incident in Saki, no fewer than four people, including staff members and the owner of Musharraf Maternity and Clinic, have lost their lives. The deaths have raised widespread concerns and questions among residents who are uncertain about the cause of the fatalities, prompting community leaders to take immediate action.
His Royal Majesty, the Okere of Sakiland, Oba Dr. Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, quickly responded by contacting the Oyo State government to address the situation. A response team led by Dr. Babatunde, the Director of Public Health, was promptly dispatched to Saki to begin an investigation. The team included Dr. Kareem, the State Epidemiologist; Mrs. Akinyele, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer; and Mr. Adigun, the State Lab Focal Person.
Upon their arrival, the team met with Hon. Gbenga Olaleye Akinola, Chairman of Saki West Local Government, represented by Vice Chairman Hon. Abdulrahman Oyedokun Tiamiyu, who pledged the full support of the local government to facilitate the investigation.
The team also held discussions with the Okere of Sakiland, represented by High Chief Abdulrasheed Ghasali, the Bagii of Saki. Chief Ghasali expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift response and called for continued assistance to uncover the cause of the tragedy
The investigation team proceeded to the hospital where the clinic owner had initially been treated before passing away. As a precaution, this hospital was closed to allow for fumigation, and Musharof Maternity and Clinic was sealed off to prevent further exposure.
During a briefing at the Musharof family house, Dr. Babatunde addressed both the family of the deceased and the media, indicating that the case was suspected to be related to Lassa fever, though this had yet to be confirmed through diagnostic testing. He advised the public to observe precautionary measures to prevent any potential spread of infection.
Dr. Babatunde noted that the incident has potentially impacted three local government areas—Saki West, Iwajowa, and Kajola—as one of the deceased had traveled between these areas before succumbing to the illness. He urged anyone who had contact with the deceased individuals to report for quarantine to help contain any potential outbreak.
The investigation was joined by various leaders, including the Leader of the Saki West Legislative Council, Salaudeen Soliu Abiodun; high-ranking local government officials such as Alhaji T.A. Olanrewaju, Head of Local Government Administration; Mr. Oladosun Vincent of Primary Health Care, Saki West; and Mr. Adegbola Solomon, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer. Directors and heads of various sections from Saki West Local Government were also in attendance, reinforcing the community’s commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation.
The state government has assured residents that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary actions to protect public health, promising that the cause of these tragic deaths will be uncovered to ensure the safety and well-being of the Saki community.
