A tragic incident at a white-garment church in Ibadan has resulted in the deaths of five worshippers, with several others currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) in Olodo, Oyo State.
The incident occurred during a church feast known locally as “Ipese” last Sunday, raising serious safety concerns within the community. As of Saturday night, approximately 50 worshippers had been discharged from the IDC after receiving medical care.
Local church members are struggling to cope with the aftermath of this unsettling event, which has drawn the attention of various governmental agencies, including the police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
A church source told Vanguard that the cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed. “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims, and nothing happened to me,” the source said. They emphasized that the situation should not be solely attributed to the Ipese feast, adding that, “The incident is being investigated thoroughly, and it is not just about the Ipese as some are suggesting.”
Officials from multiple organizations have visited the church for fact-finding missions, although their findings have yet to be made public. The source also clarified, “There’s no truth to the rumor that the church premises have been shut down. The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors and is currently undergoing tests.”
A senior medical staff member at IDC Olodo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that treatment for affected individuals is ongoing. “As of today, 50 patients have been treated and discharged, while others remain under care. We expect the state commissioner for health to address the press about the incident next week.”