The Enugu State Government has officially dismissed recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the sale of "killer beans" in local markets, categorizing the reports as unfounded. In a statement made by Dr. Reuben Onyishi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, he vehemently refuted claims that three children had died after consuming these so-called poisonous beans.
Dr. Onyishi explained that the government had conducted a thorough investigation following the emergence of a video and voice note alleging that the children's deaths were linked to beans purchased in one of Enugu's markets. He revealed that a government delegation visited the children's mother, Angela Egbo, who firmly denied the allegations and stated that her family had not cooked beans for an extended period.
During the press briefing, Dr. Onyishi emphasized the importance of addressing these false narratives. “The essence of this press briefing is to refute various stories about the death of three persons in the state who were alleged to have eaten poisonous beans,” he said. He noted that social media had been inundated with reactions to the claims, prompting the need for an official response to reassure the public.
The investigation traced the family of the deceased children to their residence in Zone One, Akwuke, near the 103 Battalion military barracks. Angela Egbo, an indigene of Nenwe in Aninri Local Government and proprietress of Elohim Gaddon Schools, provided details about her children—Chiemerie Victor Egbo (14), Uchechukwu Ruth Egbo (17), and Chinencherm Janeth Onu (22). She clarified that their deaths were not due to food or beans poisoning, asserting that the family had not consumed beans recently.
Angela further recounted how her children fell ill and required medical attention at Mother of Christ Hospital in Enugu and UNTH, Ituku Ozalla, in Nkanu West Local Government. Laboratory tests conducted during their treatment revealed no traces of food poisoning as the cause of death.
Additionally, she condemned the misleading videos circulating on social media and denied any involvement from outside parties in the tragedy, stating that they lived in a secure environment and maintained good relations with their neighbors.
Dr. Onyishi urged the public to disregard the malicious rumors, reiterating, “There is no killer beans in Enugu.”
