Ondo: Death Toll From Suspected Poisonous Herbal Drink Rises to 49, 170 Affected

The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous alcoholic and herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected across three local government areas.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the latest figures on Wednesday, saying the health crisis had spread from Odigbo to Irele Local Government Area.

According to Ajaka, eight deaths were recorded in Irele, where health authorities are currently focusing their emergency response.

The commissioner said the total number of affected people, including those admitted to hospitals and those who died, had reached about 170.

The crisis was initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area. The number of deaths reportedly rose from 24 to 29 before reaching 49.

Ajaka said the government had deployed medical and health officials to affected communities to prevent the crisis from spreading.

He said the government was collaborating with relevant agencies, including NAFDAC, NDLEA, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC.

The commissioner attributed the health crisis to the consumption of suspected toxic alcoholic and herbal substances, while investigations continue to establish the exact source and composition of the drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over his alleged involvement in the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be linked to the deaths.

The police also arrested 14 other people for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products imposed in the affected area.

Police spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and was assisting investigators.

The command said substances suspected to contain methanol had been recovered and sent for forensic examination to determine their composition and possible connection to the deaths.

The police added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing forensic procedures as investigations continued.

The state government has warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic or herbal drinks, urging them to avoid products whose contents and sources cannot be verified.

Authorities now say efforts remain ongoing to contain the crisis, treat affected residents and determine the precise cause of the deaths.