At least three people have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised after consuming herbal mixtures suspected to contain poisonous substances in the Igede community of Oju Local Government Area, Benue State.
Four of the 14 people receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju are said to be in critical condition.
According to Punch, the incident occurred after three men suspected of selling the herbal mixtures allegedly offered them to residents during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju Township last weekend.
An eyewitness identified simply as Ogbu said the three men, identified as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala, allegedly sold the preparations to members of the community.
He said panic broke out on Monday, November 2, 2026, after several residents who had bought and consumed the mixtures began experiencing similar symptoms.
“There was pandemonium in the community on Monday, November 2, 2026, when several residents who had purchased and consumed the herbal preparations started developing similar symptoms,” Ogbu said.
He added that the first victim died on Tuesday morning, the second in the early hours of Wednesday, while the third died on Thursday.
According to the eyewitness, 14 other people who consumed the mixtures were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju, with four reportedly in critical condition.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, said the suspected sellers had been arrested and taken to the state police command headquarters in Makurdi.
“Yes, but up till now, I have not got the exact number of those who died yet, but the number so far is three as of yesterday (Thursday),” he said.
“Several others are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju and the persons selling the herbs have been arrested and sent to Makurdi.”
Ominyi added that the local government was making efforts to ensure that those receiving treatment were properly cared for.
The circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning are yet to be fully established.
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