Four Dead, 14 Hospitalised in Benue After Consuming Poisonous Herbal Mixture

At least four people have died and 14 others are receiving treatment in hospital after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims, residents of the Igede community, reportedly bought the herbal preparations from three men identified as Magani, Mohamed and Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju township last weekend.

Symptoms began appearing on November 2, 2026. The first death was recorded on Tuesday morning, the second in the early hours of Wednesday, and two more on November 4. Several of the hospitalised victims are said to be in critical condition.The three suspected sellers were arrested by the Igede Youth Council working with the Oju Local Government Township Youth leadership and handed over to the police in Oju.

The case has since been transferred to the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi for investigation.President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, urged the state government to ensure a thorough probe and justice for the victims.

He noted that the youths deliberately avoided jungle justice and handed the suspects over to the authorities.Oju Local Government Chairman Jackson Ominyi confirmed the incident but said he was still verifying the exact number of fatalities. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of the report.