By TheDailyNewsHub
The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, disclosed the figures during an update in Akure, saying health authorities had recorded 60 suspected cases connected to the incident. Three people were receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others were under medical observation.
The affected communities include Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga. According to the commissioner, about 95 per cent of those affected were males between the ages of 16 and 55.
Some victims reportedly became ill after consuming substances suspected to be locally produced herbal alcoholic drinks. Reported symptoms included headaches, body pain, weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly.
However, authorities have stressed that the precise substance responsible for the deaths has not yet been conclusively identified.
Ajaka previously said preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections, while samples of the suspected drinks, as well as blood and urine samples from affected persons, were being collected for laboratory analysis. Post-mortem examinations were also being undertaken to help determine the cause of death.
The incident has prompted a coordinated response involving health authorities and agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the World Health Organisation. The Odigbo Local Government also moved to restrict the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal substances in the affected area while investigations continue.
The Odigbo council chairman, Taiwo Adegoroye, had earlier reported that the death toll had risen to 32 and said a seller allegedly linked to the suspected herbal concoction had been arrested for investigation. He also said security agencies were moving against sellers of unregulated herbal concoctions in the council area.
The conflicting casualty figures explain why it is important to rely on the latest confirmed state-government update rather than figures circulating on social media.
A survivor, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, told journalists that he developed severe problems with his eyesight after consuming two shots of a locally produced alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail.” He said he was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unapproved alcoholic drinks, herbal mixtures and other substances of uncertain origin while the investigation continues.
The state government has also warned against spreading unverified information about the incident and said investigations would determine the substance involved and whether anyone should face criminal sanctions.
The Ondo incident has raised fresh concerns about the health risks associated with the production and consumption of unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures, particularly where the contents and manufacturing processes are unknown.