Tragedy in Benue: Child Dies, Six Family Members Found Unconscious After Mysterious Chemical Fumes

A quiet community in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into panic on Tuesday after a family of seven was struck by a mysterious incident that left one child dead and six others unconscious inside their one-room apartment.

The tragedy occurred in Akaajime, Mbakpegh, Ipav, when neighbours discovered the family unresponsive behind a locked door.

Miss Mohivinze Terkura, the only family member spared, said she returned late that morning and was alarmed to find the door bolted from inside. After forcing it open, she was met with a devastating sight — her mother and siblings lying unconscious.

“I raised an alarm for the attention of neighbours who helped me convey the victims to the nearest hospital. But before the victims were taken to hospital, my younger brother of four years, Sunday Surnen, was confirmed dead,” she recounted in tears.

Terkura said she could not identify the exact cause of the tragedy but noticed an “unusually harsh chemical smell” in the room. She clarified that the family does not use gas cookers or insecticides, relying instead on mosquito nets.

At the hospital, 11-year-old Aondohemba Joseph, one of the revived victims, narrated his chilling experience.
“I woke up this morning to prepare for school but couldn’t move. I called my mother, but she didn’t answer. Everyone in the room was unconscious until my sister returned around 10am and rescued us,” he said.

He added that their mother, Mrs. Mde Joseph, had woken up around 2am intending to cook, but went back to sleep after realising it was still midnight. “She planned to start again at 5am — only for the devil to strike,” the boy said.

The victims have been identified as Mrs. Mde Joseph (mother), Miss Terkuma Kumawues (12), Miss Chivirter Avalumun (10), and Master Teryange Avalumun (7). All are currently receiving medical attention at a private hospital in Akaajime.

The incident has left residents of Akaajime community in shock, with many speculating about possible poisoning or inhalation of toxic fumes. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the cause of the tragedy.