A public health emergency has struck Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, where at least four individuals have died and 14 others remain hospitalised following the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal mixture.
​are currently receiving treatment in hospital after consuming a suspected poisonous herbal mixture purchased in Oju township, headquarters of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
​The tragic sequence of events began during the weekly Ihiejwo market day in Oju township. Three itinerant sellers, identified by residents as Alhaji Sule Mai Magani, Bello Mohamed, and Musa Kala, sold concocted liquid herbal medicine to members of the local community.
​Health complications began emerging on Monday morning, November 2, 2026, as several residents who ingested the liquid suffered from acute abdominal pain, severe vomiting, and internal distress.
The medical crisis rapidly escalated over the following days: the first victim succumbed to toxicity early Tuesday morning, November 3, followed by a second death in the early hours of Wednesday, November 4. Two additional fatalities occurred shortly thereafter as symptoms worsened among affected residents.
​Currently, 14 victims remain admitted at the General Hospital in Oju, where medical personnel are working around the clock to treat severe complications and stabilize those in critical condition.
​Confirming the casualties on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Executive Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, stated that local authorities acted swiftly to manage the health emergency. He assured the public that the local council is taking all necessary steps to ensure that all hospitalised individuals receive appropriate medical intervention.
​The three herbal vendors were apprehended by the Igede Youth Council in conjunction with the Oju Township Youth leadership before being handed over to law enforcement agents.
Chairman Ominyi noted that the suspects have since been transferred to the Benue State Police Command headquarters in Makurdi for further interrogation and detailed investigation.
​Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, for an official statement were unsuccessful as of press time. Health authorities in the area continue to urge the public to avoid purchasing or consuming unverified herbal remedies from unregulated street vendors.
