The death toll linked to the consumption of a suspected poisonous alcoholic substance in parts of Ondo State has risen to 49, while the number of people affected by the unfolding health crisis has increased to about 170, according to the state government.
The latest development was disclosed by the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, while providing an update on the situation in Akure. He said the outbreak, initially concentrated in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area, had now extended to neighbouring Irele Local Government Area, where additional deaths have been recorded.
Ajaka said eight deaths were recorded in Irele, contributing significantly to the latest increase in fatalities. The commissioner explained that the total figure of approximately 170 affected persons includes people who have died as well as those who have been admitted or otherwise received medical attention.
The crisis was first reported in communities including Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga, where residents reportedly fell seriously ill after consuming locally produced alcoholic or herbal alcoholic preparations. Earlier reports indicated that some victims developed severe symptoms, including visual disturbances, difficulty breathing, weakness, altered consciousness and other rapidly worsening conditions.
State health authorities have expressed concern over the speed at which some victims deteriorated. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact substance responsible for the deaths and whether the affected products originated from one source or multiple sources.
Although methanol contamination has been suspected, authorities have stressed the importance of laboratory and forensic examinations in establishing the precise cause. Police said substances suspected to contain methanol had been recovered and submitted for forensic analysis.
The Ondo State Government has consequently intensified its response, deploying medical and health officials to affected communities for surveillance, case management, contact tracing and further investigation. Authorities are also working to prevent the suspected poisoning from spreading to additional local government areas.
The government had earlier imposed restrictions on the production, sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and related substances following the initial deaths in Odigbo. The directive was intended to prevent further consumption of products whose ingredients, production processes or regulatory status could not be verified.
The investigation has also involved several security and regulatory agencies. According to reports, the police have arrested individuals in connection with the production and distribution of the suspected toxic substance. One of those arrested, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” is suspected of involvement in producing the substance and is assisting investigators. Additional arrests were reportedly made over alleged violations of the ban on the sale of the products.
The state government is collaborating with agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant bodies as the investigation continues.
Authorities have continued to warn residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks, locally produced mixtures or herbal preparations whose contents and sources cannot be established.
As health officials intensify surveillance and treatment efforts in Irele and other affected communities, attention remains focused on identifying the exact cause of the poisoning, tracing the distribution chain and preventing additional deaths.
The situation remains under investigation, with authorities yet to conclusively establish the precise composition of the substance responsible for the outbreak.
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