Ondo Poisoning: 29 dead, 60 cases recorded as govt bans sale of local alcohol

The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following suspected poisoning associated with the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in Akure on Friday night, saying a total of 60 suspected cases had so far been recorded in communities affected by the incident.

According to him, three victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others are being closely monitored by medical personnel.

Ajaka said the victims were predominantly males, with about 95 per cent of those affected aged between 16 and 55. The cases were reported in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.

The incident reportedly began after some residents consumed substances believed to be locally prepared herbal alcoholic drinks and subsequently developed severe health complications.

The commissioner listed the major symptoms as headache, body pain, weakness, impaired vision, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, noting that some of the affected persons deteriorated within a short period.

He said the circumstances surrounding the cases had raised serious epidemiological concerns over possible exposure to a toxic alcoholic substance.

“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths,” Ajaka said.

He disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples had been obtained from affected persons and forwarded for laboratory analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic products have also been submitted for toxicological examination.

Ajaka said the investigation was being carried out in partnership with relevant regulatory and security agencies, adding that a number of suspects had already been arrested.

As part of measures to prevent further deaths, the state government has placed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The commissioner urged residents to stay away from alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources and to seek urgent medical attention if they experience blurred vision, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.

He further called on community leaders and residents to promptly alert health authorities whenever unusual illnesses or sudden deaths are observed.

Ajaka assured residents that the government, in collaboration with national and international partners, was intensifying efforts to establish the exact cause of the deaths and halt further loss of lives.