Three feared dead, 14 hospitalised after consuming herbal mixtures in Benue

At least three people are reported dead and 14 others have been hospitalised after consuming herbal mixtures suspected to contain poisonous substances in the Igede community of Oju Local Government Area, Benue State, according to Punch and Punch Nigeria. Daily Trust reports that the death toll has allegedly risen to four, noting that the most recent death occurred on Thursday after a victim died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Makurdi.

The incident reportedly began on Monday, November 2, when residents who purchased the mixture from three male traders—identified as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed, and Musa Kala—during Ihiejwo market day began developing similar symptoms, Daily Trust reports. While some victims are receiving treatment in various hospitals, Daily Trust states some are allegedly in critical condition.

Witnesses told Daily Trust that the three suspects were subsequently apprehended by the Igede Youth Council in collaboration with the Oju Township Youth leadership. Additionally, Daily Trust reports that medical experts believed to be from the World Health Organisation have arrived in the area to assist with the response.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, Daily Trust — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.