At least four people have reportedly died after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture allegedly sold in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
As of Friday, several other victims were still receiving treatment in different hospitals, with some said to be in critical condition.
The latest death reportedly occurred on Thursday when the body of a third victim, who died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Makurdi, was brought back to Oju. Earlier reports had put the death toll at three.
Witnesses said the incident started on Monday, November 2, after residents bought and consumed the mixture from three traders identified as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala during Ihiejwo market day.
They added that suspected WHO medical experts had arrived in the area to support efforts to manage the situation.
The three traders were reportedly arrested by the Igede Youth Council and Oju Township Youth leadership before being handed over to the police. They were later moved to the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi for investigation.
Oju LGA Chairman, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed that three people had died as of Wednesday, although he was yet to establish the exact number of casualties. He said security and health officials had been deployed, while victims were receiving treatment at General Hospital, Oju.
“I have tried to calm the situation down in my local government. The person selling the herbs has been arrested and sent to Makurdi three days back,” he said.
Igede Youth Council President, Idoko John-Frank Ozzidi, called for a full investigation and justice for the victims.
Benue Police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.
