At least four persons have reportedly died, while 14 others have been hospitalised, following the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal mixture in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims, who were residents of the Igede community, allegedly consumed herbal preparations purchased from three men identified as Magani, Mohamed and Kala during the Ihiejwo market day in Oju township last weekend.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident came to public attention on November 2, 2026, after several consumers and their relatives raised the alarm over similar symptoms developed by those who had taken the preparations.

The eyewitness disclosed that the first victim died on Tuesday morning, while a second person died in the early hours of Wednesday.

Two other victims subsequently died on November 4.

Four fatalities have so far been reported, while more than 14 other victims are said to be receiving treatment in hospitals, with some reportedly in critical condition.

The three men allegedly involved in the sale of the herbal mixture were reportedly apprehended by the Igede Youth Council in collaboration with the Oju Township Youth leadership before being handed over to the police.

The eyewitness said the case had been transferred from the Oju Divisional Police Headquarters to the Benue State Police Command, where the suspects were undergoing investigation.

Speaking during the handover, President of the Igede Youth Council, John-Frank Ozzidi, called on the Benue State Government to ensure a thorough investigation and guarantee that justice was served.

Ozzidi commended members of the community for resisting the temptation to take the law into their hands, saying their decision to hand over the suspects to the police demonstrated their confidence in the government's ability to ensure justice.

He also appealed to political officeholders from the area to follow up on the investigation to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were fully established and that the victims and their families received justice.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, said he was yet to ascertain the exact number of fatalities.