A family tragedy struck Akaajime community in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, as a mother and her four children were discovered unconscious in their home, with one child confirmed dead.
Neighbours rushed the victims to a private hospital in Gboko, but a four-year-old boy was pronounced dead before help could arrive.
A surviving family member, Mohivinze Terkura, told journalists that she narrowly escaped the incident after spending the night at her aunt’s house due to heavy rain. She returned home around 10 am to find their house locked from the inside.
“I forced the door open only to find my mother and siblings unconscious,” she recounted. “Neighbours helped me rush them to the hospital, but unfortunately my younger brother died before we arrived.”
Terkura added that she perceived a chemical-like smell in the house, similar to cooking gas, despite the family not owning a gas cooker or using insecticides.
One of the survivors, who later regained consciousness, recalled waking up unable to move from the bed. “I tried calling our mother but she didn’t respond. We were all helpless until my sister returned,” he said.
Dr. Joshua Atime of Vawar Hospital confirmed receiving the patients before transferring them to the General Hospital, Gboko, after stabilisation.
Meanwhile, Gboko LGA Chairman, Torseer Yina, said he had not received an official report but had seen accounts of the incident on social media. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls or messages.
