Death toll from Ondo herbal drink rises to 49, 170 affected

The number of deaths from a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has reached 49. About 170 people are reportedly affected by this health crisis.

This incident started in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in the Odigbo Local Government Area. It has now spread to the Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been reported.

PUNCH Metro earlier reported that at least 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo died after consuming the drink. The Chairman of the Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, said eight people died in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo.

The death toll later rose to 27 and then to 49 as of Wednesday. Adegoroye mentioned that the situation has calmed down in the affected areas after help from state and local government medical teams.

Dr Banji Ajaka, the state Commissioner for Health, spoke to our correspondent on the phone. He confirmed the number of affected persons has increased and that the health crisis has reached the Irele Local Government Area.

Ajaka reported that eight people had died in Irele as of Tuesday night. He said, “As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night.

“So, all the people that have been affected altogether now are about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”

The commissioner said the health crisis is linked to the consumption of ethanol by the victims. He added that the state government is working hard to stop the situation from spreading to other areas.

He stated that medical and health workers, along with other partners, have been sent to affected communities as soon as reports were received. “We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear reports of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” Ajaka said.

In another development, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man named Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as “Meko.” He is linked to the production of the herbal liquid suspected to be tied to the health crisis.

The police also arrested 14 others for allegedly breaking a local government ban on selling herbal products. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, shared this information in a statement. He also said an investigation into the deaths is ongoing.

The police statement noted that they have managed the situation after consistent security, medical, and investigative actions. “The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions,” the statement read.

The command suspects Babatunde was involved in making products that may contain methanol. He is currently helping the police with their investigation.

The police also stated that the bodies of those who died are undergoing necessary medical and forensic examinations as the investigation continues. They promised to provide updates as the case develops.