At least five individuals have been reported dead, while several others are currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo, Oyo State, after attending a ‘Love Feast’ — commonly referred to as Ipese — hosted by a white garment church in Ibadan.
The tragic event took place last Sunday on the church premises located in Apata, within the Ido Local Government Area, leaving the community in a state of bewilderment.
A source from the church, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that the link between the Ipese meal and the fatalities has not yet been confirmed. “I ate the same beans as everyone else, including the victims, and nothing happened to me,” the source stated.
The source further emphasized, “It’s not clear that the incident is related to the Ipese, as some people are claiming. Various government agencies, including the police, DSS, media outlets, and even the World Health Organization, have been here to investigate. Their findings haven’t been made public yet, but I can assure you it’s not about Ipese.”
Confirming the unfortunate incident, a staff member from the Infectious Disease Centre, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that 50 victims had been treated and discharged.
“Some of the affected individuals were brought here for treatment. So far, 50 have been discharged, while others are still receiving care,” the official noted.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, has also confirmed the occurrence, stating that investigations are currently underway.
