One Dead, Six Found Unconscious in Room

A tragic incident struck Akaajime community, Mbakpegh, Ipav, in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, when one person died and six others were discovered unconscious in a one-room apartment.

The victims, all members of the same family, were reportedly found by their daughter, Miss Mohivinze Terkura. She said she had returned home late in the morning and was alarmed to find the door locked from the inside. After repeated calls went unanswered, she forced the door open, only to discover her mother and siblings unconscious.

“I raised an alarm and neighbors rushed to help. We quickly moved them to a nearby hospital, but my younger brother, four-year-old Sunday Surnen, was already dead,” she recounted.

Terkura also said she noticed a strong chemical-like odor inside the room, though she could not identify the source. According to her, the family neither owned a gas cooker nor used insecticide sprays, as they relied on mosquito nets.

One of the survivors, 11-year-old Aondohemba Joseph, who later regained consciousness, described his frightening experience. “I woke up in the morning to prepare for school but couldn’t move. I called our mother, but she didn’t respond. Everyone was unconscious until my sister came and rescued us,” he said.

The other victims were named as their mother, Mrs. Mde Joseph, alongside siblings Miss Terkuma Kumawues (12), Miss Chivirter Avalumun (10), and Master Teryange Avalumun (7).