A father in Benue State has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of his four children, who died within three days after reportedly falling ill in Amufu community, Edumoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The children Abah Ochayi, 12; Veronica Ochayi, seven; Comfort Ochayi, six; and Margaret, three died between August 20 and 23, according to their father, Emmanuel Ochayi.
Ochayi alleged that the children became ill after consuming a soft drink reportedly given to them by an uncle who had stopped near their home while returning from an event.
He said he was away when the incident occurred, while the children were with their mother. According to him, the children began experiencing health problems about three days after consuming the drink.
The father said he rushed the first child to hospital when his condition deteriorated, but the child later died. He said the other children subsequently developed similar symptoms and died despite efforts to save them.
“I demand justice for my four children,” Ochayi said, insisting that he believed the children may have died after consuming a poisoned drink.
However, the allegation of poisoning has not been established. The exact cause of the children’s deaths remains unclear and would require medical and forensic investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have generated concern in the community, with the Edumoga Youths Association petitioning the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, over the matter.
In its petition, the association described the deaths as suspicious and called for a comprehensive investigation, including post-mortem and toxicology examinations to determine the actual cause of death. It also urged the police to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The association further called for protection for the bereaved family and potential witnesses during the investigation.
The person allegedly linked to the soft drink has denied knowledge of what caused the deaths, according to reports. Community members had reportedly questioned him over the incident, while police were said to have received a report concerning the case.
The deaths have left Ochayi and his wife with only one surviving child, who lives with someone in Lagos, according to the grieving father.
The family and community are now awaiting the outcome of any official investigation that could establish what caused the deaths and whether anyone should face criminal responsibility.
The four children are scheduled to be buried on September 4, 2026, subject to developments arising from the investigation.
