At least three people have reportedly died, while 14 others are receiving medical attention after consuming suspected poisonous herbal preparations sold by three alleged vendors in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
Four of the hospitalised victims are said to be in critical condition at the General Hospital, Oju, following the incident, which has thrown the Igede community into panic.
The herbal mixtures were reportedly purchased from three men identified as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju Township last weekend.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Ogbu, said several consumers began experiencing similar symptoms on Monday, November 2, prompting fears among residents. He disclosed that the first victim died on Tuesday, while two others died on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, said the suspected herbal medicine sellers had been arrested and transferred to the state police command headquarters in Makurdi for investigation.
Ominyi, who spoke on Friday, said although he was yet to establish the final casualty figure, three deaths had been recorded as of Thursday. He added that the council was making arrangements to ensure that those receiving treatment got adequate medical attention.
The police command had yet to officially confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Efforts to reach the command's spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers of unregulated herbal preparations, coming barely two months after a methanol-contaminated local alcoholic drink killed at least 48 people and affected 182 others in parts of Ondo State, including Araromi-Obu and Odigbo, in September 2026.
