Ondo state

Author: Gist Correspondent

Twenty-four persons, mostly youths, have reportedly died in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming suspected poisonous sachet concoctions and locally brewed alcoholic drinks.

The deaths, recorded over the weekend in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, have sparked fear and tension, prompting the local government to impose an immediate one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages while investigations continue.

Several other victims are receiving treatment in hospitals as medical personnel battle to stabilise those affected by the suspected poisoning.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the deaths. He noted that the government would provide further details after medical experts concluded their findings.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adeji, said preliminary findings suggested possible methanol contamination. He, however, stressed that laboratory analysis of samples collected from the affected communities was still in progress and that no definitive conclusion had been reached.

Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, said an investigation by the council's health team indicated a possible connection between the fatalities and the consumption of the suspected substances. As a precaution, he announced a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks, warning that anyone caught producing, selling or distributing the banned products during the period would face arrest and prosecution.

The incident triggered protests by angry residents, particularly youths, who marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, demanding answers and urgent government intervention to prevent further deaths.

Addressing the protesters, the monarch appealed for calm, assuring the community that authorities were working to uncover the cause of the tragedy and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.