One dies, five hospitalised after taking “gegemu”

A young lad in his early 20s, identified as Taye of Balode street at Oloje area of in Ilorin metropolis, has been reported dead after consuming a local plant concoction known as “gegemu”.

Tribune online gathered that five others who also drank the concoction were reported to be on danger list in different hospitals in the state capital.

It was gathered that the young boys had soaked the plant and sipped it severally during a traditional wedding night party held at Balode Street in Isale Banni area of Oloje Ilorin on Tuesday, just as the event was abruptly brought to an end in the wee hours of Wednesday following the news of the death of the deceased.

It was also gathered that residents of Balode Street were woken up around 3:30 am with wailing and shouting by relatives of the victims who raised alarm over the incidents.

The survivors were reportedly rushed to various hospitals where they were said to be receiving treatment.

Investigations revealed that Gegemu is a popular plant that grows and survives in almost every community in Ilorin and is also planted around some homes to scare away snakes.

However, it was revealed that the plant had been abused in recent time by some youth and had caused serious health imbalance to those who consume such on some many occasions.

It was also gathered that a popular Nigerian musician, Abolore aka Nice had warned youths in one of its records about the dangers in consuming gegemu.