Five Dead, Many Hospitalized After ‘Love Feast’ at Oyo Church
At least five people have died and numerous others have been hospitalized after consuming a beans dish served during a ‘love feast’ known as ‘ipese’ at a white garment church in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at a church located in the Apata area of Ido local government. According to reports, health officials at the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo confirmed the fatalities and indicated that many individuals were brought in for emergency treatment.
A representative from the center, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that 50 victims had been treated and discharged. “Some individuals were admitted here for care. So far, 50 have been released, while others remain under observation,” the official noted.
Adewale Osifeso, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Oyo State Command, confirmed the situation, stating that an investigation is underway.
The incident has left the community in shock. A church source, who also wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that it has not yet been determined whether the meal caused the fatalities. “I ate the same beans as everyone else, including the victims, and I experienced no issues,” the source said, questioning the claims regarding the ipese.
“Various government agencies, including the police and the DSS, along with media representatives and even the World Health Organization, have been conducting investigations. Their findings have not yet been released, but I assure you it’s not solely about the ipese,” the spource added.
