Four biological siblings in the Amufu community, Edumoga, located in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have died under mysterious circumstances within a span of three days after consuming a soft drink allegedly handed to them by a relative.
The grieving father, Emmanuel Ochayi, revealed that the tragedy unfolded after an uncle, returning from an outing, stopped by their residence and gave an already-opened bottle of soft drink to the children. The victims—Abah (12), Veronica (7), Comfort (6), and 3-year-old Margaret—began displaying severe health complications roughly three days later.
Despite frantic efforts by the family to save them, the children deteriorated rapidly and died in quick succession between August 20 and 23, 2026. The heartbroken father noted that he is now left with only one child, who fortunately resides away in Lagos.
In response to the incident, tension has gripped the community as suspicion mounts against the relative who supplied the beverage. The situation escalated during a local gathering when the suspect allegedly collapsed after community members demanded that he take an oath to prove his innocence.
The Edumoga Youths Association has formally intervened, issuing a petition to the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu. Led by President Lucky Itodo, the youth body described the deaths as unnatural and heavily suspicious, formally requesting a comprehensive police investigation, rigorous toxicology examinations, and proper autopsies.
Meanwhile, the police division has received the formal report, and community leaders have slated September 4, 2026, for the mass burial of the four children, pending further developments from law enforcement agencies.
Do you want to advertise with us?
Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us on WhatsApp +2348033617468, +234 816 612 1513, +234 703 010 7174
or Email: validviewnetwork@gmail.com
CLICK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP
