At least four people have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming a poisonous herbal preparation purchased in Oju, headquarters of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The herbal products were reportedly sold during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju last weekend by three men identified as Alhaji Mai Magamani, Mohamed and Musa Kolo.
According to an eyewitness account, the incident came to light on Monday, November 2, 2026, after several people who had bought and consumed the preparations began experiencing similar health complications.
The source said the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while another person reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday.
Two additional deaths were subsequently reported on November 4, bringing the reported death toll to four.
At least 14 other people were said to have been receiving medical attention, with some reportedly in critical condition.
Following the incident, the three men suspected of selling the herbal products were reportedly arrested by members of the Igede Youth Council, working with the Oju Local Government Township Youth leadership. They were later handed over to the police.
The Oju Divisional Police Headquarters reportedly transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation.
While the suspects were being handed over, the President of the Igede Youth Council, Comrade John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to investigate the deaths thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible faces prosecution.
Ozzidi commended members of the community for allowing security agencies to handle the matter instead of taking the law into their own hands.
He also urged elected and appointed representatives from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths are established.
The Chairman of Oju Local Government Council, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident but said he could not immediately establish the total number of people who had died.
Ominyi said three deaths had been reported to him as of the previous day, while other affected residents were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju.
“My people are working on that. My security secretary and security adviser are on it.
“The others are in the General Hospital, Oju. My health department is also taking care of them.
“I have tried to calm the situation down. The person selling the herbs was arrested and sent to Makurdi three days ago,” he said.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries before the report was filed.
The cause of the reported deaths has yet to be officially established. Toxicological or medical findings would be needed to confirm whether the herbal preparations were contaminated or contained a poisonous substance.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
