Four people have reportedly died while at least 14 others are battling for their lives after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal concoction in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims, reportedly members of the Igede community, allegedly purchased and consumed the herbal preparations from three men identified simply as Magani, Mohamed and Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju township last weekend.
The incident reportedly came to public attention on November 2, 2026, after several residents who had consumed the mixture began experiencing similar symptoms, prompting victims and their relatives to raise the alarm.
A source familiar with the development disclosed that the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while a second person reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday.
Two additional victims subsequently died on November 4, bringing the reported death toll to four.
“As we speak, over 14 other victims are currently battling for their lives, with many of them said to be in critical condition,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters had transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command, where the three suspected sellers were reportedly being investigated.
The President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident and guarantee that those responsible were brought to justice.
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Ozzidi, who spoke while the suspects were being handed over to the police, commended Igede youths for resisting the temptation to take the law into their hands.
He said the youths had deliberately avoided jungle justice, choosing instead to allow law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
According to him, their decision reflected confidence in the state government and the justice system to ensure accountability.
The youth leader also appealed to political officeholders from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the deceased victims received justice while the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning were fully established.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Council, Mr Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to establish the exact number of fatalities.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries before the report was filed.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of unregulated herbal preparations and the potential dangers associated with consuming medicinal mixtures without proper verification of their ingredients and safety.
Authorities are expected to establish the substance responsible for the reported deaths and illnesses through appropriate investigations and laboratory tests.