2 dead, 2 hospitalised after drinking herbs in Kogi

No fewer than two persons have been confirmed dead and two others hospitalised after drinking excess self-made herbs in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims, including a 62-year-old man, were said to have drunk an excess combination of Gegemu and Roots, all in the guise of getting intoxicated.

While the 62-year-old man, fondly known as Okiribo, and a 45year-old Samuel Omo-Folorunsho died, one Shola Pempe and another youth, it was gathered, were hospitalised at ECWA Hospital in Makutu, Kogi State.

Some of the youths in the community were said to have turned the roots into a concoction by themselves and consumed them to get intoxicated.

The traditional ruler of the community (Agbana of Isanlu), Oba Moses Etombi, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, February 8, 2024, described the death of the residents as “tragic” and “very unfortunate”.

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The traditional ruler said the incident threw the community into mourning as “it is unbelievable that the herbs that we have been using for treatment of pile could send our beloved ones to their early graves.”

He added: “From what I learnt, they drank more than two litres of the concoction, which badly affected their health.

“We only use those herbs for treatment of pile and only a little of its quantity is supposed to be taken. Taking it in excess is not advised at all.

“Thank God the other two survived or else it would have been so disastrous for us in the community.”

Etombi, however, advised the residents, especially youths, to desist from taking anything that would affect their health.

According to him, hard drugs destroy and should be hated and kept at bay to enjoy a good and healthy life.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, also confirmed the incident and advised youths against drugs.

The Star