Five Children Die, Eight Hospitalised After Ramadan Meal in Taraba

A tragic incident has rocked Taraba State following the death of five children and the hospitalisation of eight others after a case of suspected food poisoning in Takum, headquarters of Takum Local Government Area.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that the children reportedly fell ill after consuming suspected poisoned meat during a Ramadan lecture held in the town on Tuesday. The victims were said to be from three different families.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, the children began experiencing sudden and severe illness shortly after the meal, prompting residents to rush them to nearby hospitals. Despite medical intervention, five of the children were pronounced dead, while eight others are currently receiving treatment.

Police authorities have commenced a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause of the suspected poisoning, with detectives working alongside health officials to establish whether the incident resulted from food contamination, negligence, or deliberate poisoning. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious food items or sudden outbreaks of illness to security agencies.

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The Taraba State Ministry of Health has also stepped in, initiating medical assessments and possible laboratory analysis of the food allegedly consumed, as part of efforts to prevent further casualties.

Reacting to the tragedy, Jalingo-based human rights lawyer Bilyaminu Maihanci described the incident as heartbreaking and called on the Taraba State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant regulatory agencies to act swiftly, transparently, and responsibly.

He stressed that the affected families deserve justice, urging authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and accountability if foul play is established. Community leaders in Takum have appealed for calm as investigations continue, while mourning what residents described as a devastating loss.

As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Government had yet to issue an official statement, but officials assured the public that measures are being taken to avert a recurrence.

Five Children Die, Eight Hospitalised After Ramadan Meal in Taraba

African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology

The African Virologists Network (AVN) has congratulated two of its distinguished members, Prof. Marietjie Venter and Prof. Georgina Odaibo, on their election as President and Vice President respectively of the World Society for Virology (WSV).

In a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman of AVN, Prof. Theophilus Adiku, the Executive Council and the entire membership described the development as a landmark achievement for African science and a testament to the continent’s growing influence in global health leadership.

According to the statement, the emergence of the two scholars followed a successful global election process involving virologists from across the world. AVN noted that their election demonstrates that Africa possesses highly trained scientists with strong academic, research and leadership credentials capable of shaping global scientific narratives.

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Prof. Marietjie Venter, who holds a PhD in Medical Virology, is a Distinguished Professor and Research Chair in Emerging Viral Threats & One Health (EViTOH) at the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Her Vice President, Prof. Georgina Odaibo, also holds a PhD in Medical Virology and is a Professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan. A three-term Head of Department, she is currently serving with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria.

The newly elected officers are expected to serve a two-year term from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2028.

AVN expressed confidence that under their leadership, the WSV will strengthen global collaboration in virology, promote the One Health approach, and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement was e-signed by Dr. Abdul-Azeez A. Anjorin (MNYA), AVN Secretariat and Publicity.

African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology

Abroad-Based Nigerian Woman Kneels with Children in Emotional Tribute to Husband (VIDEO)

An emotional moment was recently captured as an abroad-based Nigerian woman and her children knelt to honor and appreciate their husband and father. In a heartfelt message, the woman told her children,

“Without my husband, I’m nothing in this world. You guys should always treat Daddy as your God. Instead, you disrespect your dad, you disrespect me.”

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The scene, marked by tears, hugs, and heartfelt expressions, reflects the deep love and respect she holds for her spouse. Social media users have praised the display as a rare and touching example of family unity and gratitude.

Family psychologists note that such gestures reinforce bonds, model respect for parental figures, and help children understand the value of appreciation in relationships.

The post has since gone viral, sparking discussions on family values, respect for fathers, and emotional expression in Nigerian households.

"Without my husband, I’m nothing in this world. You guys should always treat Daddy as your God. Instead, you disrespect your dad, you disrespect me”🙇♥️

-Emotional moment as an abroad-based Nigerian woman and her children kneel to appreciate the husband pic.twitter.com/QdRRdH21e4

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) February 25, 2026

Abroad-Based Nigerian Woman Kneels with Children in Emotional Tribute to Husband (VIDEO)