Some millipede-like creatures have invaded seven cocoa-growing communities in the Juaboso District of the Western Region, killing two children in the process.

The children are reported to have died after eating the strange insects.

The strange insects, which have a foul smell and produce a toxic substance, have brought life to a standstill in the area.

The Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who confirmed the story, said the invasion has left farmers unable to go to work on their farms while children stay away from school.

Mr Akandoh, who is also the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, explained that it had been difficult to eliminate the creeping creatures.

He added that the most severely hit area was Bonsu Nkwanta, a settlement in the western part of his con­stituency, where the millipedes have found their way into residents’ bedrooms, kitchens and toilets.

“So, it’s highly uncomfortable, especially in the mornings and in the evenings, easing only slightly in the day,” he disclosed.

The lawmaker said he toured the affected areas last Sunday with the Juaboso District Chief Executive and representatives from the district’s Ministry of Agri­culture, Environment, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control (CODAPEC) unit to assess the situation with a view to bringing it under control.

Some residents who spoke with Accra News said the animals had invaded their water sources, making it difficult for domestic use.

They called for government to come to their aid and spray the area to rid it of the insects.