..27 others under observation as government bans local alcoholic, herbal drinks in affected area
Zainab Abioye
The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in parts of Ondo State has risen to 30, with 60 cases recorded following the consumption of a suspected toxic alcoholic or herbal substance, the state government has said.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, disclosed the latest figures on Friday in Akure, saying three affected persons were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others remained under medical observation.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu, where residents reportedly consumed an herbal liquid substance before some of those affected developed severe symptoms and subsequently died.
Ajaka said the cases were concentrated in communities including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
According to the commissioner, about 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, while the victims reportedly presented symptoms ranging from headache and body pain to weakness, visual impairment, breathing difficulty and altered consciousness.
He said some of the patients deteriorated rapidly, raising concerns that the deaths could be linked to exposure to a toxic substance.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance,” Ajaka said.
He, however, stressed that the suspected cause had not been scientifically established.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths,” he added.
Samples undergoing tests
The commissioner said the state government had intensified investigations to establish what caused the deaths, revealing that 36 blood and urine samples had so far been collected for laboratory analysis.
Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances consumed by some of the victims have also been submitted for toxicological examination.
Ajaka said the investigation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies.
He added that several suspects had been taken into custody as authorities intensified efforts to determine the source and composition of the suspected toxic substance.
In a bid to prevent further deaths, the Ondo State Government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government urged residents to avoid alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources until the investigation is concluded and the safety of such products established.
Ajaka also advised anyone who develops blurred vision, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.
He appealed to residents and community leaders to report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths promptly to health authorities to enable early investigation and intervention.
The latest development has heightened concerns over the safety of unregulated alcoholic and herbal preparations in communities, particularly where products are produced and sold outside formal regulatory controls.
The state government said laboratory and toxicological investigations would be critical in determining the actual cause of the deaths and guiding further public-health measures.
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