Four people have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims, reportedly members of the Igede community, were said to have bought 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 residents who consumed the mixture began developing similar symptoms.
According to the eyewitness, the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while the second died in the early hours of Wednesday. Two more victims reportedly died later on November 4.
The source 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 arrested by the Igede Youth Council in collaboration with the Oju Local Government Area Township Youth leadership.
They were subsequently handed over to the police in Oju.
The eyewitness said the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters had transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command, where the suspects were undergoing investigation.
Speaking during the handover, President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, urged the Benue State Government to ensure a thorough investigation and guarantee that those responsible were brought to justice.
Ozzidi said youths in the area had deliberately refused to take the law into their hands despite the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said they resisted calls for jungle justice because they trusted the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure justice was served.
The youth leader also appealed to political officeholders from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the deceased victims got justice.
He called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning.
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 deaths.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries before the report was filed.
