Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following a suspected poisoning incident linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, disclosed the death toll on Friday night, saying health authorities had recorded 60 suspected cases connected to the incident.
Three affected persons are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while another 27 people remain under medical observation, according to the commissioner.
Ajaka said about 95 per cent of those affected were males between the ages of 16 and 55.
Cases have been reported in several communities across Odigbo, including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
Residents in the affected communities reportedly became ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal alcoholic drinks.
According to Ajaka, patients presented with symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness. Some of the patients reportedly deteriorated rapidly after developing the symptoms.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance,” Ajaka said.
He, however, stressed that laboratory tests had yet to establish the specific substance responsible for the deaths.
The commissioner said health authorities had collected 36 blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been submitted for toxicological investigations.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, while several suspects have been taken into custody, Ajaka said.
As part of immediate measures to prevent further deaths, the state government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Authorities also warned residents against consuming alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources.
Ajaka urged anyone who develops blurred vision, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.
He further called on residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities to facilitate early intervention and investigation.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government was working with national and international partners to determine the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of life.
While the circumstances strongly point to exposure to a toxic alcoholic substance, the government said the exact cause remains unconfirmed pending the outcome of laboratory and toxicological investigations.
