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At least four people have reportedly died and 14 others hospitalised after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture allegedly sold to residents in Oju township, headquarters of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred during the Ihiejwo market day last weekend, when three men identified as Magani, Mohamed and Kala allegedly sold herbal preparations to members of the Igede community. The mixture is suspected to have contained poisonous substances.
An eyewitness said the incident came to public attention on November 2, 2026, after several people who had consumed the preparations began developing similar symptoms. The source said the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while a second person died early Wednesday.
Two more victims reportedly died later on November 4, bringing the reported death toll to four. The eyewitness added that 14 other people were receiving treatment in hospital, with several said to be in critical condition.
The three men allegedly involved in selling the herbal mixture were reportedly apprehended by leaders of the Igede Youth Council, working with the Oju Local Government Area Township Youth leadership. They were subsequently handed over to the police in Oju.
According to the eyewitness, the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters later transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command, where the suspects are reportedly being investigated. However, the police had yet to publicly confirm details of the investigation.
The President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, urged the Benue State Government to ensure a thorough investigation and that justice was served. He said the youths had chosen not to take the law into their own hands and had handed the suspects over to the authorities.
Ozzidi also called on political officeholders from the area to follow up on the case and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning were established. Oju Local Government Chairman, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to obtain the exact number of fatalities. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
