Trag!c Incident at Ibadan Church: Five Dead After ‘Love Feast’ Event
Five individuals have died after consuming a meal during a ‘Love Feast’—locally known as Ipese—organized by the Celestial Church of Christ in the Apata Iye parish, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Several other worshippers are currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo, Egbeda Local Government Area.
The incident occurred last Sunday within the church premises in Apata, Ido Local Government Area.
A church source, who requested anonymity, informed Punch that it remains unclear whether the Ipese meal was responsible for the fatalities.
“I ate the same beans as everyone else, including the victims, and nothing happened to me. It’s not certain that the incident is related to the Ipese, despite some claims. Various government agencies, including the police, DSS, and even the World Health Organization, have conducted investigations, but their findings have not yet been made public. I can assure you it’s not about Ipese,” the source stated.
An anonymous staff member at the Infectious Disease Centre reported that 50 victims have been treated and discharged.
“Some affected individuals were brought here for treatment. So far, 50 have been discharged, while others are still receiving care,” the official said.
Adewale Osifeso, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Prophet Akin Kilanko, the church leader, spoke with a local radio station, asserting that the incident is unrelated to rituals, describing it as a cholera outbreak.