Three children die after taking tea ‘poisoned by stepmother’

Three children who were residents of Makara Huta community in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State lost their lives after drinking tea allegedly poisoned by their stepmother.

The 22-year-old Yobe housewife identified as Khadija Yakubu has been arrested by the police.

• How I spent over N6m to treat COVID-19 virus – Uche Edochie
• Winners shortlisted for Impact Africa Elevator Pitch Competition

She was said to have poisoned the tea which four of the children of her husband’s first wife took.

While three of them died, one is said to be in an unconscious state.

The incident, which happened Friday, has since thrown  into panic.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dungus Abdulkareem, confirmed the incident, saying investigation is ongoing.

The victims were identified as Umar, 12; Maryam, 11; Ahmed, nine and seven-year-old Zainab.

“Findings indicated that the children were rushed to a hospital after taking the tea prepared by the suspect, Khadija Yakubu, in the early hours of Friday.”

“Three of the victims died while receiving treatment and one remained unconscious. The suspect has been apprehended and is in custody. Investigation has begun to ascertain the remote and immediate cause of the incident. She will be charged after investigation,” Abdulkareem said in a statement.