How Retiree and Four Grandchildren Die in UNIMEDTH, Family Claims Negligence
A tragic incident in Akure has resulted in the deaths of Mrs. Esther Adeola, a retired Administrative Officer from the Federal Government Girls College, and her four grandchildren, aged six to nine, suspected to have died from food poisoning, as reported by News360 Nigeria.
The family reportedly fell ill after consuming pap, experiencing severe stomach pain. When taken to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure, their condition deteriorated.
Mr. Ademola Adeola, the children’s father, expressed his disappointment with the hospital’s care, alleging negligence on the part of the medical staff. He claimed that timely treatment was not provided, which he believes could have prevented the tragic outcome. He also criticized the handling of one of his children’s bodies by the hospital.
This incident follows another recent case involving UNIMEDTH, where alleged negligence was linked to the death of Mr. Adedotun Adebobola, a student from the Federal University Oye (FUOYE) in Ekiti State. The hospital has yet to respond to the latest allegations.
Mr. Adeola recounted: “After the children ate the pap, I rushed them to UNIMED. The doctor questioned my certainty about the poisoning and suggested I take them home and give them red oil. Since I wasn’t familiar with health issues, I followed his advice. Later that evening, the children began vomiting more severely. We took them to Mother and Child Hospital, where they were treated, but the next day, we were told they needed to be referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. However, the staff later determined that one of my children, Ireoluwa, wouldn’t survive the journey, so we were sent back to UNIMED.”
He explained that while the initial doctor provided good care, he later transferred them to another doctor, who administered an injection that triggered a severe reaction.
“After the injection, one child complained of a strange sensation, and they all began reacting unusually. The doctor insisted it was a normal response, but soon after, Inioluwa lost control,” Mr. Adeola said.
He described a troubling scene where one child was tied to the bed for safety, and he noticed the second doctor frequently checking his phone instead of providing attentive care.
Mr. Adeola has called on the state government to establish an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He stated, “We urge Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to look into this matter. We felt treated like nobodies by the hospital’s management, and we need answers.”
In response, Dr. Banji Ajaka, the state’s Health Commissioner, refuted claims of negligence, asserting that the medical team did everything possible to save the children.
“I was present at the hospital. Four consultants and other doctors worked tirelessly to save the children, but unfortunately, they could not be saved. It is incorrect to say that the hospital lacked the resources to handle such cases,” Dr. Ajaka stated.
Meanwhile, UNIMEDTH’s management also denied the allegations, claiming that all necessary medical interventions were carried out effectively.
Roseline Akeredolu, the hospital spokesperson, stated: “The children arrived at our Children’s Emergency Unit on September 29, 2024, after being referred from Mother & Child Hospital. They exhibited symptoms consistent with exposure to an unknown poison in the pap they ingested. Despite immediate and comprehensive care, we were unable to save them.”
