Ondo Herbal Poisoning: Methanol, Cannabis Found in Drinks That Killed 48 — NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has confirmed that high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica were detected in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State.

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the findings in an update on the public health incident, which has affected communities in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.

According to the agency, 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, with 90 people admitted and subsequently discharged, 31 treated as outpatients and six still hospitalised.

Five victims reportedly became totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness. Symptoms included headaches, general weakness and body pain, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some cases deteriorated rapidly.

The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita-Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with the highest impact reported in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu. Cases were also identified in Irele.

The agency said 15 unlabeled samples of the suspected drinks were subjected to acute oral toxicity testing, chemical analysis using gas chromatography and microbiological examination.

Preliminary laboratory findings showed that 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while gas chromatography confirmed high concentrations of methanol.

Methanol is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe poisoning, including blindness, organ failure and death. NAFDAC said the findings were preliminary, with confirmatory analyses still being conducted to determine the exact methanol concentrations and identify additional toxic substances.

The agency also reported approximately 50 percent mortality among laboratory mice exposed to six samples, indicating significant toxic potential overall.

NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated alcoholic and herbal beverages. Investigations and surveillance are continuing across the affected communities.

The agency warned Nigerians against buying or consuming unlicensed, unregistered or locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions whose contents are unknown.

It urged anyone who develops sudden visual problems, severe headaches, breathing difficulties or altered consciousness after consuming such products to seek immediate medical attention.

NAFDAC said regulatory and risk-control measures were ongoing in collaboration with relevant authorities, while the figures remained subject to further verification.

The agency said it would continue laboratory analysis, surveillance and regulatory interventions as investigations into the incident progress.