At least four people have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture purchased in Oju township, headquarters of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The herbal preparations were allegedly sold to members of the Igede community by three men identified as Alhaji Mai Magamani, Mohamed and Musa Kolo during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju last weekend.
An eyewitness said the incident came to light on Monday, November 2, 2026, after several people who had consumed the herbal products began experiencing similar health complications.
According to the source, the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while another person reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday.
Two more deaths were recorded on November 4, bringing the reported death toll to four.
The eyewitness added that at least 14 other victims were receiving medical treatment, with some said to be in critical condition.
Following the incident, the three suspected herbal medicine vendors were reportedly arrested by members of the Igede Youth Council, in collaboration with the Oju Local Government Township Youth leadership, before being handed over to the police.
The Oju Divisional Police Headquarters subsequently transferred the case to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation.
During the handover of the suspects, President of the Igede Youth Council, Comrade John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted.
Ozzidi also praised members of the community for remaining calm and allowing security agencies to handle the situation rather than resorting to jungle justice.
He urged elected and appointed political representatives from the area to monitor the investigation and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were fully established and justice served.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Oju Local Government Council, Mr Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident but said he could not immediately establish the exact number of fatalities.
Ominyi disclosed that three deaths had been reported to him as of the previous day, while other victims were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju.
He said his security secretary and adviser were working on the matter, while the council’s health department was also attending to the affected residents.
The chairman added that he had taken steps to calm tensions in the community, noting that the suspected herbal medicine seller had been arrested and transferred to Makurdi three days earlier.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries before the report was filed.