Three Die, Four Hospitalised After Consuming Suspected Poisonous Herbal Mixture in Benue

Three people have reportedly died while four others are receiving treatment in hospital after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture sold in Oju Township, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident occurred in the Igede community during the Ihiejwo market day last weekend, triggering concern after residents who consumed the herbal preparations began falling ill.

Three Suspects Arrested

A local source identified as Ogbu alleged that three men, named as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala, sold the herbal mixtures to residents during the market day.

According to the source, the situation became alarming on Monday, November 2, 2026, when several consumers began showing signs of illness. The first victim reportedly died on Tuesday, followed by two others on Wednesday and Thursday.

The source further claimed that more people had been hospitalised than the number officially confirmed by the police, alleging that at least 14 others were receiving treatment, with four in critical condition.

Three suspects were reportedly apprehended by members of the Igede Youth Council, working with the Oju Township Youth leadership, before being handed over to the police.

Police Confirm Incident

Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident, saying the suspects had been arrested and taken to the Police Command headquarters in Makurdi for investigation.

Ominyi said three deaths had been recorded as of Thursday, although he had yet to receive the final casualty figures. He added that several other victims were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju.

He assured that the local government was making efforts to provide care for those hospitalised.

Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, also confirmed the incident, stating that some residents had consumed the herbal mixture and were subsequently taken to hospital.

However, the police spokesperson gave a slightly different casualty figure, confirming two deaths and four people receiving treatment.

Investigations into the incident are expected to establish the substances contained in the herbal mixture and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Sun