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Suspected Poisonous Herbal Mixture Kills Four in Benue, 14 Hospitalised
Four persons have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised following the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal mixture allegedly sold to residents of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims, who are members of the Igede community, reportedly purchased the herbal preparations from three men identified as Magani, Mohamed and Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju township last weekend.
An eyewitness said the incident came to public attention on November 2, 2026, after several residents who consumed the mixture began developing similar symptoms, prompting them and their relatives to raise the alarm.
According to the eyewitness, the first victim reportedly died on Tuesday morning, while the second died in the early hours of Wednesday. Two other victims subsequently died on November 4.
The source added that 14 other persons were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, with several reportedly in critical condition.
Following the incident, the three men allegedly involved in selling the herbal mixture were apprehended by the Igede Youth Council in collaboration with the Oju Local Government Area Township Youth leadership.
They were subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
The eyewitness said the case had been transferred from the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters to the Benue State Police Command, where the suspects were reportedly being investigated.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects to the police, President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to ensure a thorough investigation and guarantee justice for the victims.
Ozzidi commended members of the community for resisting the temptation to take the law into their hands, saying the youths had deliberately allowed the police to handle the matter.
He said their decision demonstrated confidence in the state government and its ability to ensure that justice was served.
The youth leader also urged political officeholders from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning were fully established.
He further called for justice for the deceased and appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, said he was aware of the development but had yet to establish the exact number of fatalities.
Vanguard reports that efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries as of press time.
