18-Year-Old Boy Dies After Drinking Local Plant, Gegemu

An 18-year-old boy, identified simply as Taiye, died yesterday while doctors are still battling to save the lives of five others after consuming a concoction from a local plant known as “gegemu” in Ilorin, Kwara State. The deceased and his friends were said to be between the ages of 18 and 22 years.

The incident, according to a witness, occurred at Balode Street, Oloje area of in Ilorin. The five others were said to be in very critical state at the hospital where they are receiving treatment. Gegemu is a popular plant that grows and survives in almost every community in Ilorin.

Its popularity also derives from the fact that it is often planted around homes to scare away snakes. However, in recent times, the plant has become a source of drug for young people in the metropolis who usually soak it in water and drink it to get high. It is reported among community members to have caused serious health imbalance to those who consume it. It was learnt that Taiye and his friends had soaked the plant as part of the consumables for a night party and sipped it several times during the event.

However, the party was abruptly brought to an end in the wee hours of yesterday following the sudden manifestation of strange behaviour by Taiye. He was reportedly rushed to the hospital but gave up the ghost before medical help could reach him.

His friends who had also begun similar manifestations were also rushed to various hospitals. Residents of Balode Street were woken up about 3:30 a.m. with wailing and shouting by relatives of the victims who raised the alarm over the incidents. The survivors were however rushed to various hospitals where they were said to be receiving treatment.