Man Remanded by Benue Court Over Alleged Child Poisoning Deaths

A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, issued an order for the remand of Mr. Utim Ukerchia at a correctional facility. This directive follows allegations that Ukerchia was responsible for the fatalities of two children in Daudu, an area within Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The police have brought charges against Ukerchia, including culpable homicide and involvement in acts of terrorism. During the court session, Magistrate Mrs. N.E. Kaka’an stated that the court lacked the necessary jurisdiction to hear the defendant’s plea. Consequently, she instructed the police to transfer the case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to obtain legal advice. The matter has been adjourned until October 2 for further mention.

Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Godwin Ato, informed the court that investigations into the allegations were still underway and requested an adjournment to allow for their completion.

According to the police, Ukerchia is alleged to have intentionally poisoned garri on May 13. This poisoned food was then given to a four-year-old girl, who consumed it unknowingly, along with her siblings and six other children. Following the consumption of the contaminated meal, the children reportedly fell ill and were promptly rushed to a hospital for medical attention. Regrettably, two of the affected children later succumbed to their illness.

The police further stated that during the course of their investigation, Ukerchia reportedly made a voluntary confession. Moreover, the surviving victims were able to identify him as the individual who allegedly poisoned the food. The police assert that the alleged offences are punishable under Sections 222 and 230 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, as well as Section 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Other Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.