A tragic incident struck Akaajime community in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, as five members of the same family were discovered unconscious in their home.
Sadly, one of the children, a four-year-old boy, was confirmed dead before they reached the hospital.
The victims included a mother and her four children, who were rushed to a private hospital in Gboko after neighbours responded to a distress call.
A family member, Mohivinze Terkura, told journalists that she narrowly escaped the tragedy.
According to her, she had slept at her aunt’s house due to heavy rain on Tuesday night.
She returned home the next morning only to find the house still locked.
“When I forced the door open, I saw my mother and siblings lying unconscious.
I immediately raised an alarm, and neighbours helped me rush them to the hospital.
Unfortunately, my younger brother died before we arrived,” she said.
Terkura explained that she noticed a strange chemical-like smell inside the room but was puzzled since the family did not own a gas cooker or use insecticides.
One of the children who later regained consciousness told reporters that he woke up to prepare for school but could not move.
“I called out to our mother, but she did not answer. All of us were unconscious until my sister returned and found us,” he said.
Dr Joshua Atime of Vawar Hospital, Gboko, confirmed that the family was brought to his hospital early Wednesday.
He explained that they were stabilised before being referred to the General Hospital, Gboko, for further treatment.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, said he had yet to receive an official report but admitted seeing the news on social media.
Efforts to get confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls or text messages.
The cause of the incident remains unclear, though residents suspect possible toxic exposure. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation.
