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At least three people have reportedly died, and 14 others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming herbal mixtures suspected to contain poisonous substances in the Igede community, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
Four of the 14 people receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju are reportedly in critical condition.
The police had, however, yet to confirm the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred after three men suspected to be hawking the herbal mixtures sold them to residents during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju Township last weekend.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Ogbu, said the three men, identified as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala, allegedly sold the mixtures to residents of the community.
“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.
“One of the people who bought and consumed the local herbs died on Tuesday morning, the second died in the early hours of Wednesday, while the third victim died on Thursday,” Ogbu said.
He added that 14 other people who consumed the mixtures were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju, with four in critical condition.
When contacted on Friday, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident and 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).
“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 said.
He added that the council was doing everything possible to ensure that the victims receiving treatment were taken care of.
Efforts to reach the state police command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone did not go through and he did not respond to a text message sent to him.
The Benue incident comes after a similar tragedy in Ondo State in September 2026, when at least 48 people died and 182 others were affected after consuming a locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink contaminated with toxic industrial methanol.
The incident was reported in communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Araromi-Obu and Odigbo town.
