At least 24 people have reportedly died in a suspected poisoning incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several others receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The deaths were recorded over the weekend and have raised concerns in affected communities, amid reports that some of the victims may have consumed sachet herbal concoctions suspected to contain a poisonous substance.
However, authorities have cautioned against concluding the cause of the deaths until medical investigations are completed.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident and said health officials were working to determine what caused the deaths.
Ajaka declined to name the substance allegedly linked to the incident, explaining that further medical assessments were necessary before a definitive conclusion could be reached.
According to him, the state government was treating the development with seriousness and would provide additional information as investigations progress.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, also confirmed the incident but said he was unable to provide further details pending the visit of medical experts to the affected communities.
Adegoroye said a professional assessment was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether there was a link between the reported consumption of herbal preparations and the fatalities.
As a precautionary measure, the local government has reportedly moved to restrict the sale and consumption of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks being hawked in the affected areas.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly as several people are said to be undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Authorities have consequently advised residents to exercise caution and avoid consuming suspicious herbal preparations or unverified sachet products until the investigation is concluded.
The cause of the deaths remains officially unconfirmed, while health authorities are expected to provide further details after medical assessments of the affected persons and communities.
