Two co-wives from Dakwa community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been hospitalised after consuming a locally made herbal aphrodisiac, known as kayan mata, in an attempt to regain their husband’s attention following his recent marriage to a third wife.

 

The incident occurred just three days after their husband, Musa Muhammad, married a new wife from Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State. The affected women, whose identities have been withheld, reportedly ingested a powdered variant of the herbal mixture, which they had obtained from a local herbalist.

 

Kayan mata, widely believed to enhance female allure and boost male libido, is commonly used in some Nigerian communities. However, its safety and effectiveness remain controversial.

 

Speaking on the incident, Muhammad said he was alerted that his two wives had suddenly fallen ill while he was at the home of his new bride.

 

“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 severe stomach issues.”

 

After initial treatment by a local nurse failed, he took them to a private clinic in Madalla, Niger State, where they were diagnosed with internal organ damage allegedly caused by the concoction. The women underwent emergency surgery and were discharged on Monday after nearly a week of hospitalization.

 

Sources say the women had routinely consumed the herbal mixture in liquid form, mixed with milk. However, they were recently given a powdered version by the herbalist, which may have triggered the severe reaction. Authorities are now working to trace the herbalist for questioning.

 

Health professionals have expressed concern over the growing use of unregulated herbal aphrodisiacs. Maryam Muhammad, a nurse at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, warned in an interview with UGAMA TV that many of these products pose serious health risks.

 

“These substances can disrupt hormonal balance and increase the risk of various cancers,” she said.

“Many producers don’t even know the exact ingredients they’re using. It’s safer to turn to natural foods and fruits that can provide similar benefits without the danger.”

 

The incident has sparked fresh discussions on the dangers of unregulated traditional remedies and the pressures some women face in polygamous settings.