An alarming rise in goitre cases—characterised by swelling in the front of the neck—has been traced to the consumption of contaminated fufu, a cassava-based staple.
Dr. Solomon Aiguobasinmwin, a Benin-based medical practitioner, has sounded the alarm after diagnosing six cases among young women aged 21-24,
The development has prompted urgent calls for government action to safeguard public health.
In a passionate appeal, Dr. Aiguobasinmwin shared his findings, initially suspecting excessive contraceptive use as a potential cause.
However, his investigation took a surprising turn when he discovered that one affected woman was a virgin with an intact hymen, ruling out that factor.
Further probing showed a chilling commonality: all six women consumed large quantities of fufu, prompting deeper research.
The doctor’s investigation uncovered a disturbing practice among some vendors who adulterate cassava with detergents and carbide to hasten fermentation, potentially leaving behind toxic cyanide residues linked to goitre.
“To my great shock, I found out that some wicked people preparing fufu add detergent, carbide to make the cassava ferment on time. THIS MAY WELL BE THE CAUSE OF THE INCREASED CASES OF GOITRE,” Dr. Aiguobasinmwin lamented, expressing his dismay at the reckless shortcut that jeopardises public safety.
Goitre, which affects the thyroid gland, can lead to severe complications such as hypothyroidism, breathing difficulties, and swallowing issues if left untreated.
While iodine deficiency is a global cause, the introduction of toxic chemicals in food processing represents a new and alarming local threat.
Cassava naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide if not properly processed through soaking, peeling, and thorough cooking—a traditional method that neutralises the toxin.
The use of carbide and detergents appears to bypass these safety measures, heightening the risk of contamination.
Dr. Aiguobasinmwin’s research, conducted at bustling markets like Ekiosa and New Benin, underscores the scale of the issue, though he admitted feeling overwhelmed.
“For this case of goitre, I don’t know what to do,” he confessed, urging individuals to prepare their own fufu until the government intervenes.
The doctor, who previously curbed a rise in urinary tract infections among schoolgirls through collaboration with the former Commissioner of Education, now calls for a coordinated response.
He proposed a stakeholders’ meeting involving local government chairmen and seminars for “fufu” producers to educate them on the dangers, volunteering his expertise to sensitise the public.
“The major way to solve the problem is through the federal or state government,” he stressed, appealing to professionals to leverage their skills to save lives.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern, with preliminary reports suggesting the issue may extend beyond Benin City to cassava products like “garri” aand”fufu” or “akpu” across southern Nigeria.
The Edo State Ministry of Health has yet to issue an official statement, but this online newspaper understands that the department of public health in the ministry has since reached out to Dr. Aiguobasinmwin to address the crisis.
”The ministry of health, Edo state, the director of public health called me yesterday (Friday) that I should see him on Monday, so that we discuss, but my problem is that I want this to get to the governor of the state.”, Aiguobasimwin told Daily South Nigeria on Saturday
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration now faces mounting pressure to act swiftly, especially as the state aims to become a healthcare excellence hub by 2030, as outlined in recent ministry goals.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are advised to exercise caution with commercially prepared “fufu” until safety measures are enforced. [Daily South Nigera and Bendel Mirror reports]
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