At least 24 people have died in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the consumption of a suspected herbal or locally brewed alcoholic substance.
The deaths, which occurred on Saturday, September 5, were recorded in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, while several other residents who reportedly consumed the substance are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
The incident has triggered investigations by the Ondo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force amid concerns over possible poisoning.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, saying 16 people died in Odigbo town while eight others died in Araromi-Obu.
Adegoroye, however, stressed that the exact cause of the deaths had not been established, pending medical examinations and laboratory analyses.
“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals,” he said.
“But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death, and we are still waiting for the team from the state Ministry of Health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause.”
The council chairman said a preliminary verbal autopsy had indicated a possible connection between the deaths and consumption of the substance, but maintained that further medical investigations were required before any definitive conclusion could be reached.
Following the incident, the local government reportedly placed a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected communities pending the outcome of the investigation.
The state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident, saying the state government had commenced investigations to determine what led to the deaths.
The commissioner did not, however, identify the particular substance suspected to have been consumed by the victims.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the deaths, which it described as being suspected to be connected with possible poisoning.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said police personnel, including officers from the Police Medical Services, were working with officials of the state Ministry of Health and the Odigbo local government health authorities to gather evidence and establish what happened.
Jimoh cautioned residents against spreading unverified claims or prematurely linking the deaths to a particular substance while investigations and laboratory analyses were ongoing.
He said the actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths would be established through the ongoing investigation.
The police urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing relevant information that could assist in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The command also advised residents to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
As authorities await laboratory results, the deaths have raised fresh concerns over the safety of unregulated herbal preparations and locally produced alcoholic drinks, particularly in communities where such products are widely consumed.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
