Two co-wives residing in the Dakwa community, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have reportedly landed in the hospital after consuming a locally prepared herbal mixture in an attempt to enhance their husband’s sexual interest shortly after he took a third wife.
The herbal substance, commonly referred to as kayan mata in Hausa, is traditionally believed to boost female appeal and stimulate male libido.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the two women—whose names have been withheld—ingested the herbal concoction three days after their husband, Musa Muhammad, married a third wife from Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
Muhammad confirmed the incident, stating that the herbs appeared to have severely affected his wives, prompting an emergency medical response.
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“I was called from my main house that my two wives were not feeling fine because I passed the night at a different house where my new bride is residing,” he said. “I rushed back and found them rolling on the ground in pain, complaining of stomach issues.”
Initial treatment by a local nurse proved ineffective, leading Muhammad to transfer the women to a private clinic in Madalla, a neighboring town in Niger State.
At the hospital, they were diagnosed with internal organ damage allegedly caused by the herbal mixture and underwent surgery. They were discharged on Monday after nearly a week of treatment.
Muhammad revealed that the women had regularly sourced the herbal products from a female herbalist, who typically supplied them in liquid form to be mixed with milk.
However, this time, the herbalist reportedly gave them a powdered variant, which may have triggered the adverse reaction.
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Efforts are currently underway to trace the herbalist for questioning amid growing concerns over the safety of such unregulated traditional remedies.
Dr. Taiye Anifowose, a gynecologist, warned women against consuming unverified herbal aphrodisiacs, citing potential risks to reproductive and internal organ health.
“These herbs are not only dangerous but can also cause long-term damage to the reproductive system,” she said. “There needs to be proper awareness by health agencies, families, and community leaders to discourage such practices.”
Disclaimer: The photograph is not the actual victim, just for illustration purposes