ONDO HERBAL DRINK TRAGEDY CLAIMS 29 LIVES AS AUTHORITIES PROBE SUSPECTED TOXIC SUBSTANCE

The death toll from a suspected poisoning incident linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, according to the state government. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed the latest figure on Friday night in Akure, saying health authorities had recorded 60 suspected cases connected to the incident. The development has heightened concern across the affected communities as the government works to determine what exactly caused the deaths.

Ajaka explained that three people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while another 27 affected persons remain under medical observation. The commissioner said about 95 per cent of those affected were males between the ages of 16 and 55, with cases reported mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities. The victims reportedly developed symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, blurred or disturbed vision, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness, with some patients said to have deteriorated rapidly after consuming the suspected substances.

The government said the pattern of illness and the reported history of exposure have raised strong suspicion that the victims may have been exposed to a toxic alcoholic substance. However, Ajaka stressed that there is still no laboratory evidence confirming the exact cause of the deaths. Health officials have collected 36 blood and urine samples from affected persons for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been submitted for toxicological testing. Several suspects have reportedly been taken into custody as the investigation continues in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies.

In response to the incident, the Ondo State Government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo LGA. The government urged residents to stay away from alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed or questionable sources while investigations are ongoing. Residents were also advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience warning signs such as blurred vision, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.

The latest deaths have increased the urgency of efforts to establish the source and composition of the suspected toxic substance and prevent further loss of lives. The state government said it was working with national and international partners to identify the cause of the incident, while health officials urged residents and community leaders to report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths without delay. Authorities also appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators and avoid consuming unregulated alcoholic or herbal products until the cause of the outbreak is established.