A man who allegedly poisoned food at a restaurant to punish the people of his community in Ogoja, Cross River State, Paul Nchui, has been arrested by the police.
Guardian reports that the 35-year-old man had poisoned the food served at a restaurant which left two people dead and 44 others hospitalized at the Ogoja General Hospital.
The incident, as confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Irene Ugbo, occurred on Friday, March 24, 2017, at Oboso community in Ogoja local council.
It was learned that the restaurant owner, Anna Erah and her husband, Edward, died shortly after eating the food. The suspect was reportedly seen by many people at the scene of the crime, which led to the suspicion that he could have poisoned the food.
“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 and we will charge him to court as soon as we conclude our investigation,” ASP Ugbo said during a parade of Nchui.
The suspect who has confessed to the crime, said he carried out the act as a form of revenge on his kinsmen over an undisclosed injustice he suffered in their hands.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong, said the symptoms displayed by the victims included vomiting, foaming at 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 the ground and offer immediate medical assistance to all those affected by the poison,” she said.
