Four die, 14 hospitalised after consuming suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Benue

At least four people have died and 14 others have been hospitalized after consuming a toxic herbal mixture purchased in Oju township, the administrative center of the Oju Local Government Area in Benue State.

The herbal concoction was sold to members of the Igede community by three suspects: Alhaji Mai Magamani, Mohamed, and Musa Kolo, during the Ihiejwo market day event last weekend.

The incident came to light on Monday, November 2, 2026, when numerous individuals who had consumed the herbal products began facing severe health issues. According to an eyewitness, of the 14 people hospitalized, several are reported to be in critical condition.

In response to the incident, members of the Igede Youth Council, in collaboration with local leadership, arrested the three suspected sellers and subsequently handed them over to law enforcement authorities.

The case has been transferred from the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation.

John-Frank Ozzidi, President of the Igede Youth Council, called upon the Benue State Government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible for the sale of the toxic herbal mixture are prosecuted. He praised community members for allowing law enforcement to handle the situation rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Ozzidi also urged elected officials in the region to monitor the investigation to ensure that justice is served.

Jackson Ominyi, Chairman of the Oju Local Government Council, confirmed the incident but noted that he could not immediately verify the total number of fatalities. As of the previous day, he reported three deaths and indicated that other victims were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju.

“My people are working on that. My security secretary and security adviser are on it,” Ominyi stated. “I have tried to calm the situation down. The person selling the herbs was arrested and sent to Makurdi three days ago.”

Efforts to secure comments from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, were unsuccessful prior to the publication of this report.

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