Four dead, two hospitalised in Taraba after consuming poisonous fish

A tragic incident in the Kashimbila ward of Takum Local Council, Taraba State, has resulted in the deaths of four people and the hospitalisation of two others.

The victims consumed a fish suspected to be highly poisonous. John Ali, Chairman of Takum Local Council, confirmed the incident, which occurred on February 22, 2025. The victims, all herders, discovered and cooked the toxic fish near the Kashimbila Multi-Purpose Dam.

The deceased are Abdul Juli, Sule Abubakar, Adamu Mato, and Saidu Payo. Survivors Yusuf Musa and Ibrahim Haruna are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to Ali, the herders mistakenly believed the abandoned fish was safe to eat. “While grazing their cattle, they came across some abandoned fish on the riverbank. Unaware of the danger, they picked and cooked the fish for a meal,” he explained.

The fish has been identified as a highly poisonous species locally known as “Frog-Fish.” Ali emphasised the extreme toxicity of this species, stating, “This particular species is so toxic that even other fish in the river avoid them. If they come into contact with another fish, that fish rots immediately.”

The council chairman assured that he plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and offer support.