Two co-wives in the Dakwa community of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were recently hospitalised after ingesting a herbal mixture intended to enhance their husband’s sexual interest, following his marriage to a third wife.
The herbal preparation, known locally in Hausa as kayan mata, is commonly used to stimulate sexual desire. According to Daily Trust, the women, whose names were not disclosed, consumed the herb three days after their husband, Musa Muhammad, married a third wife from Gusau, Zamfara State.
Muhammad confirmed the incident, explaining that his two wives became critically ill after consuming the substance, which they had mixed with milk. He said they were rushed to a clinic in nearby Madalla, Niger State, where medical tests revealed internal organ damage allegedly caused by the herb. Both women underwent surgery and were discharged a week later.
He noted that the herb was regularly supplied by a female herbalist, but that this time, she gave them a powdered version instead of the usual liquid form.
“My attention was called from my main house that my two wives were in serious pain. I had spent the night with my new bride,” Muhammad said. “I found them rolling on the ground in pain. We first called a nurse who gave them drips, but their condition worsened, so I rushed them to a clinic.”
Efforts are now underway to locate the herbalist for investigation, to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, medical professionals have issued a strong warning against the use of such unregulated substances. Dr. Taiye Anifowose, a gynecologist, cautioned that some of these herbal products can damage internal organs and harm reproductive health.
She urged government agencies, families, and community leaders to increase awareness about the risks associated with using herbal aphrodisiacs, especially those without scientific validation.