At least 29 people have died and 60 suspected cases have been recorded following the consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident, which has sparked widespread concern across the affected communities, was initially reported to have claimed more than 30 lives, with about 50 people hospitalised. However, the Ondo State Government has since confirmed 29 deaths from 60 suspected cases as investigations continue to establish the precise cause of the fatalities.
The affected communities include Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga, with most of those affected reportedly being males aged between 16 and 55.
The victims reportedly developed symptoms including severe headache, body pain, general weakness, visual impairment, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some cases reportedly deteriorated rapidly, with some victims dying within hours.
The development has prompted the Ondo State Government to impose a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected areas as authorities intensify efforts to identify the suspected source of the outbreak.
One of the survivors, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, said he developed serious health complications after consuming a locally produced alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail”.
Adebayo said he took two shots of the drink after a friend brought it from Ore, but noticed the following day that his eyesight had deteriorated.
“I took Monkey Tail. On Saturday, I discovered I can’t see very well, so I called my sister and I was taken to the hospital. I’m getting better, but I’m praying for my eyes,” he said.
“If God saved me, I swear I will never take any drinks again, even beer, I won’t take,” the survivor added.
Despite the strong suspicion that contaminated or toxic alcoholic substances may be responsible, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, stressed that the precise cause of the deaths had not yet been scientifically established.
Ajaka, who inspected health facilities in the affected communities, said preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections.
He said the pattern of illness and the reported history of exposure had raised strong epidemiological suspicion of poisoning from a potentially toxic alcoholic substance.
“We have not confirmed the source of death. Investigations are still ongoing,” the commissioner said.
According to him, samples of the suspected drinks had been collected and submitted for laboratory and toxicological analysis, while blood and urine samples were also being obtained from affected persons.
The commissioner disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples had been collected, alongside samples of the suspected substances, as part of efforts to establish the cause of the illnesses. Post-mortem examinations are also being conducted on some of the deceased.
Ajaka said the casualty figures had previously been subject to verification as officials continued to collate information from hospitals and affected communities.
He urged residents to avoid unregulated alcoholic products and herbal preparations, warning that anyone experiencing blurred vision, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming such substances should seek immediate medical attention.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, said the council became alarmed after observing an unusual pattern of deaths in some communities.
He said a medical team was subsequently deployed to the affected areas to assess the situation and provide assistance to victims.
As a precautionary measure, Adegoroye ordered the immediate suspension of the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks in the affected communities.
Security agencies were directed to enforce the order, while suspected sellers were reportedly arrested. Hotels and other establishments believed to have been involved in the sale of the drinks were also ordered to suspend distribution pending the conclusion of investigations.
Three bodies were deposited at the General Hospital for post-mortem examinations, while families were advised not to bury the deceased until the necessary examinations had been completed. The council has also sought a coroner’s inquest into the deaths.
Adegoroye said a suspect alleged to have sold the herbal drink had been arrested and handed over to the police in Akure.
He said preliminary toxicological findings pointed towards the consumption of toxic or adulterated alcoholic substances, although the state health authorities have maintained that definitive laboratory evidence is still required before the cause of death can be conclusively established.
The Ondo State Police Command is collaborating with the state government and health authorities in the investigation.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing and urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information.
The authorities have appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with investigators and report any unusual illnesses or sudden deaths promptly.
The incident has renewed concerns over the consumption and distribution of unregulated alcoholic mixtures and herbal preparations, particularly products whose ingredients, production processes and safety standards cannot be verified.
For now, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with laboratory analysis, toxicological examinations and post-mortem findings expected to provide the scientific evidence needed to determine what caused the deaths.
Until then, residents have been urged to steer clear of locally produced alcoholic drinks and unidentified herbal concoctions in the affected communities and to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms associated with the suspected poisoning occur.
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