Tragedy struck on Wednesday in Akaajime community, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, as five members of the same family were found unconscious in their home, with one child confirmed dead.

The victims, a mother and her four children, were discovered in a coma and rushed by neighbours to a private hospital in Gboko, but a four-year-old boy was pronounced dead before they could be attended to.

A family member, Mohivinze Terkura, told journalists she narrowly escaped the tragedy after spending the night at her aunt’s house due to heavy rain. She said she returned home around 10 a.m. to find the house still locked from inside.

 “I tried several times to open the door but couldn’t. So, I forced it open, only to find my mother and siblings unconscious. I raised an alarm, and neighbours helped rush them to the hospital. Sadly, my younger brother died on the way,” she recounted.

Terkura added that while forcing the door open, she perceived a strange chemical-like odour similar to cooking gas. However, she insisted that the family did not use a gas cooker or insecticides, relying only on mosquito nets in their home.

One of the survivors, later resuscitated by doctors, told reporters he had woken up to prepare for school but was unable to move from his bed.

 “I called our mother, but she didn’t answer. I realised all of us were unconscious until my sister returned around 10 a.m. Sadly, my brother didn’t survive,” he said.

Dr. Joshua Atime of Vawar Hospital, Gboko, confirmed that the family members were brought in unconscious but were later stabilised and transferred to the General Hospital, Gboko, for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Gboko Local Government Chairman, Hon. Torseer Yina, said he had not received an official report on the incident, noting that he only read about it on social media. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages were not responded to.

The cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations are yet to commence.