The death toll from a suspected toxic herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people reportedly affected across Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.
The health crisis, which was first reported in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele, where eight deaths have been recorded, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka.
The affected communities include Araromi-Obu and Odigbo, where residents began falling ill after consuming the suspected harmful substance.
Ajaka said the number of affected people includes those who have been admitted to hospitals as well as those who have died. He added that medical teams had been deployed to Irele and other affected areas as authorities intensified efforts to contain the situation.
The commissioner linked the incident to the consumption of alcohol by victims, while investigations continue to establish the precise substance responsible for the deaths.
Earlier reports indicated that dozens of people had been hospitalised after experiencing symptoms including severe headaches, weakness, visual impairment, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness. Health officials had previously sent blood, urine and suspected beverage samples for toxicological testing.
Police arrest suspected producer
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, over his alleged involvement in the production of the herbal liquid suspected to be connected to the deaths.
Police said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered and submitted for forensic examination to determine their composition and possible connection to the fatalities.
Fourteen other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a ban on the sale and consumption of herbal products imposed in the affected areas.
The police said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for further investigation, while post-mortem and other forensic procedures were being conducted on the bodies of the deceased.
Authorities intensify response
The state government and local authorities have continued to deploy health personnel to affected communities as part of efforts to prevent further deaths and identify additional cases.
Officials have also urged residents to avoid consuming unlicensed or unverified alcoholic and herbal products.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the dangers associated with unregulated alcoholic and herbal preparations, particularly those produced or distributed without proper safety checks.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the deaths and determine the full extent of the outbreak.
