No fewer than five persons have lost their lives, while eight others were hospitalised after reportedly consuming meat suspected to have been poisoned in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was confirmed on Wednesday by the state police command.
In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, the command said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims ate meat believed to have been contaminated with a toxic substance allegedly meant for rodent control.
According to the police, operatives were swiftly deployed to the community following a distress report.
The affected persons were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, while the remains of the deceased were taken away for necessary procedures.
The command disclosed that a full-scale investigation had been launched to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate development and to ascertain how the suspected poisonous substance found its way into the meat.
It appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious food items, sudden illnesses or unusual occurrences to the nearest security agency to avert further casualties.
The police assured members of the public that those found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be made to face the full weight of the law.