Tragedy struck in Isanlu, the headquarters of Yagba East local government area of Kogi state, as two individuals lost their lives and two others were hospitalized after consuming a self-made herbal concoction.
The incident occurred when four men mixed ‘gegemu’ and ‘obo’ fruits on Tuesday evening, hoping to experience a euphoric effect. Unfortunately, their experiment turned fatal.
Among the victims, a 62-year-old man known as Okiribo and 45-year-old Samuel Omo-Folorunsho succumbed to the effects of the concoction, while Shola Pempe and another youth were rushed to ECWA Hospital in Makutu for urgent medical attention.
According to reports, some youths in the community took it upon themselves to prepare and ingest the herbal mixture, believing it would induce a sense of intoxication.
The traditional ruler of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, describing it as “tragic” and “very unfortunate.” He emphasized that the herbs were traditionally used for treating piles and cautioned against consuming them in excess.
Oba Etombi urged residents, especially the youth, to refrain from substances that could endanger their health, emphasizing the destructive nature of hard drugs and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, reiterated the dangers of drug abuse and advised youths to steer clear of such substances.
A youth leader in the community, Ariyo Segun, verified the casualties, highlighting the severity of the situation and the ongoing medical treatment being administered to the affected individuals at ECWA Hospital in Makutu, Isanlu.
