At least four people have died, while 14 others are receiving treatment in hospital following the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The affected residents, mostly from the Igede community, reportedly bought the herbal preparations from three men identified as Magani, Mohamed and Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju township last weekend.
The incident came to light on November 2, 2026, after several people who consumed the mixture began experiencing similar symptoms, prompting victims and their relatives to raise the alarm.
An eyewitness said the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while another person died in the early hours of Wednesday. Two more victims reportedly died on November 4, bringing the death toll to four.
The source added that more than 14 other people remained hospitalised, with several said to be in critical condition.
The three men allegedly responsible for selling the herbal preparations were reportedly arrested by the Igede Youth Council, working alongside the Oju Township Youth leadership, before being handed over to the police.
According to the eyewitness, the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters subsequently transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command, where investigations are ongoing.
While presenting the suspects to the police, President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, appealed to the state government to ensure a comprehensive investigation and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
Ozzidi said the youths had resisted the temptation to take the law into their own hands, choosing instead to hand the suspects over to the appropriate authorities.
He described the decision as a demonstration of the community’s confidence in the state government and its commitment to ensuring justice.
The youth leader also urged political officeholders from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the victims and their families received justice.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident but said he had yet to establish the precise number of deaths.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Peter Aondongu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries as of press time.
