Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered a probe of the death of seven members of a family in Umuahia, the state capital.

The seven persons died on Wednesday.

In a statement, Information Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu said the family members “allegedly died as a result of food poisoning after consumption of barbecue meat popularly known as suya and some fruit juice.

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“While we commiserate with the family and friends of the bereaved, we wish to call for calm and patience to enable relevant medical authorities properly determine the cause of death of the seven persons.

“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed authorities of the relevant medical facility where the surviving family members were treated and discharged to ensure a comprehensive autopsy for those who lost their lives.

“As is the standard practice worldwide, only a proper medical autopsy can determine the cause of death and as soon as the report is available we will make same public.

“Meanwhile, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has fully settled the medical bills of the survivors who are now back home.”