24 people die from suspected herbal drink poisoning in Ondo

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 produced 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 undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

The incident triggered investigations by the Ondo state government and the Nigeria Police Force amid concerns about 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 death has not been established, pending medical tests and laboratory analyses.

“We can confirm the deaths of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still admitted to hospitals,” he said.

“But we still have to ascertain the cause of death and are still waiting for the Ministry of Health team to carry out tests on the deceased. That’s why we can’t accurately say the real cause.”

The prime minister said a preliminary verbal autopsy indicated a possible link between the death and drug use, but argued that further medical investigations would be needed before a firm conclusion could be reached.

Following the incident, the local government reportedly banned the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic beverages in the affected communities pending the outcome of the investigation.

State health commissioner Banji Ajaka also confirmed the incident, saying the state government had started investigations to determine what led to the death.

The commissioner, however, did not identify the particular substance suspected to have been consumed by the victims.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said it has launched a thorough investigation into the deaths, which it believes are suspected to be linked to possible poisoning.

The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said police personnel, including officers from the police medical services, were working with officials from the Ministry of Health and Odigbo local government health authorities to gather evidence and establish what happened.

Jimoh warned residents against spreading unverified claims or prematurely linking the deaths to a particular substance while investigations and laboratory analyzes were underway.

He said the actual number of victims and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.

Police urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing relevant information that could help unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command also advised residents to avoid consuming unregulated or suspect alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.

As authorities await laboratory results, the deaths have raised new concerns about the safety of unregulated herbal preparations and locally produced alcoholic beverages, particularly in communities where such products are widely consumed.

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