Four residents have died while 14 others are receiving medical treatment after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Benue State.
The victims reportedly developed severe health complications after taking herbal preparations allegedly distributed by three men during a market gathering.
It was gathered on Friday that the first death was recorded on Tuesday, while three others died in subsequent days as the condition of affected residents deteriorated.
The incident occurred in Oju Local Government Area, particularly among members of the Igede community following the Ihiejwo market held in Oju township last weekend.
Several victims began experiencing similar symptoms on Monday, prompting concerns over the safety of the herbal preparations.
Those still battling complications are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju, with some reportedly in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the three men allegedly involved in selling the preparations were identified as Mai Magamani, Mohamed and Musa Kolo.
Following the deaths, members of the Igede Youth Council, alongside the Oju Township Youth leadership, apprehended the suspects and handed them over to security operatives.
The matter was subsequently transferred from the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation.
President of the Igede Youth Council, Comrade John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also demanded that anyone found culpable be prosecuted, insisting that the community was seeking justice for the victims rather than revenge.
Ozzidi explained that the youth leaders chose to hand the suspects over to the authorities instead of resorting to self-help.
He further urged political representatives from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that justice was served.
Also reacting, Chairman of Oju Local Government Council, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed receiving reports of the incident but said the number of fatalities had yet to be conclusively established.
Ominyi disclosed that three deaths had been reported to his office as of the previous day, while other affected residents remained under medical supervision at the General Hospital in Oju.
He added that the council had activated its security and health structures to address the situation, ensure the victims received medical attention and prevent tensions from escalating across the community.
The council chairman also confirmed that the suspected herbal medicine seller had been arrested and transferred to Makurdi for further investigation.
However, attempts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, did not respond to enquiries before publication.