A middle-aged man from Ayihe village in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Tartor Ayihe, has reportedly taken his life after being accused of selling the same plot of land to three different buyers.
According to accounts, Ayihe consumed a poisonous substance, believed to be the pesticide Sniper, shortly after a confrontation over the alleged fraudulent transactions.
A community insider, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted that the incident unfolded on Wednesday evening when Ayihe was summoned by community leaders to explain the sale of a family plot of land to multiple individuals.
“After it was discovered that he sold a piece of family land to three different buyers, the matter was reported to the Kindred Head by those he deceived,” the source stated.
During the meeting with the Kindred Head and the buyers involved, Ayihe reportedly asked to step out under the guise of retrieving something from his home.
However, he is said to have purchased the toxic substance, switched off his phone, and consumed it.
“After waiting for about an hour, people were sent to bring him back to the venue.
“When they got to his home, he was found motionless, with empty bottles of the poisonous chemical around him.
“He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival,” the source continued.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, revealed that officers have launched an investigation to uncover further details surrounding the tragedy.
“Our operatives have been sent there to find out what happened,” Anene said.
