Tragedy has struck Amufu community in Edumoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, following the death of four siblings within three days.
The children, aged 12, seven, five and three, reportedly died under circumstances yet to be officially established.
The incident was brought to public attention by activist Meddy Olotu, who visited the community and interviewed the bereaved parents.
During the interview, the father of the deceased children alleged that the four siblings became ill after sharing a bottle of soft drink reportedly given to them by someone known to the family. He further alleged that the individual had denied responsibility for the incident.
The exact cause of the children’s deaths has, however, not been independently established, and there was no indication at the time of filing the report that medical or security authorities had determined whether the drink was connected to the deaths.
Olotu, who visited the graves of the deceased children during the interview, described the incident as devastating. According to him, the four children died within a period of three days, leaving their parents distraught.
“Four children from the same parents died in this village in three days. One, two, three, four. Four children died in three days in this village,” Olotu said.
He disclosed that the deceased were aged 12, seven, five and three. The activist also said one other child of the couple survived because the child was reportedly away from home at the time of the incident.
“The other four, who shared that bottle of drink, all went down,” he said, recounting the father’s account.
Olotu described the emotional state of the parents as heartbreaking, saying the mother was unable to speak during his visit. He appealed to individuals, government authorities and humanitarian organisations to reach out to the bereaved family and provide support.
As of the time of filing the report, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the four siblings remained unclear.
