48 People Die, 182 Others Fall Ill from Toxic Herbal Mix in Ondo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reported 48 deaths and 182 cases of serious illness linked to locally made alcoholic and herbal drinks in Ondo State.

In a statement released on Friday, the agency's Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, a professor, said the affected areas are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area. These include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, and Oniparaga.

NAFDAC noted that Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu were hit the hardest, with cases also reported in Irele Local Government Area. The numbers, as of 17 September, are still being checked as investigations continue.

Breaking down the figures, the agency stated that out of the 182 cases, 90 people were admitted to hospitals and later discharged. Thirty-one were treated as outpatients, while six are still in the hospital.

"As of 17th September 2026, a total of 182 cases have been recorded, with 48 deaths confirmed," the agency said.

Additionally, five people have lost their sight completely, and two others have partial blindness. Those affected showed symptoms like headaches, weakness, body pains, vision issues, trouble breathing, and confusion. Some cases got worse quickly.

NAFDAC Investigates the Herbal Drink

NAFDAC's early lab findings have raised serious worries about the contents of the drinks that caused these illnesses. The agency tested 15 unlabelled samples of the herbal mix for toxins and chemicals.

The results showed that over 73 percent of the samples contained cannabis indica. Also, gas chromatography tests found high levels of methanol, a dangerous substance that can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.

"Preliminary findings are gravely concerning: 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for cannabis indica, and gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol," NAFDAC stated.

The agency also conducted acute oral toxicity tests on the samples. They found about 50 percent mortality among laboratory mice in six of the 15 samples. This shows that the samples have a high toxic potential.

NAFDAC stressed that these lab results are still preliminary. They are doing more tests to find out the exact amount of methanol and other harmful substances in the drinks.

The agency believes that the combination of lab findings and the reported deaths and illnesses calls for quick action from health authorities.

In response, NAFDAC has arrested 15 people suspected of making, selling, and distributing the harmful drinks. "Surveillance, case management, and risk-control measures are actively ongoing across the affected communities, in coordination with relevant public health authorities," the statement said.

NAFDAC has warned the public against drinking unlicensed, unregistered, and locally made herbal or alcoholic drinks with unknown ingredients.

"NAFDAC strongly warns the public against the purchase or consumption of unlicensed, unregistered, and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition," they said.

Nigeria is dealing with a big problem from unregulated herbal drinks that are often sold on the streets and advertised on social media. Many of these drinks have been linked to serious health issues, including breathing problems, kidney and liver damage, and heavy metal poisoning. Weak rules, aggressive ads, and widespread self-medication are making the problem worse.