Ondo State Confirms 49 Deaths from Poisonous Alcoholic Drinks

The Ondo State Government has reported more deaths tied to drinking suspected poisonous alcoholic beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, told journalists on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, that 49 deaths have now been confirmed, up from 39 reported last week.

The government also said cases have increased from 60 to 170 as of last Friday.

Ajaka mentioned that some incidents have been reported in Irele Local Government Area, with eight deaths recorded there.

"As we are now, Irele (LGA) is where we have a serious issue now, our people were there, and many people have done. About eight people have been recorded to have died last night," he said.

"So all the people that have been affected altogether number about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died."

The crisis began with 24 deaths. A week later, the number rose to 29, leading the government to take strict measures. This included banning the production and sale of unauthorized alcoholic drinks in the state.

The figure rose to 29 after five more people lost their lives due to suspected poisoning.

Ajaka said on Friday that several suspects have been arrested to help with ongoing investigations.

Earlier affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, and Orita Odigbo in Odigbo Ward, and later in Araromi Obu. Suspected cases were also reported at Oniparaga, all in Odigbo LGA.

Ajaka stated that the main cause of the health crisis was the victims' consumption of ethanol. He noted that the state government is acting quickly to stop further spread to other local government areas. Medical and health officers and other stakeholders have been deployed wherever reports come in.

"We are always fast about it, wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue, our teams are already in Ireland as I'm talking to you now," he added.

Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of the Odigbo LGA, confirmed the deaths. He said the problem has been managed due to the proactive efforts of the state and local medical teams.

Earlier, the Ondo State Police Command paraded a suspect arrested for producing and distributing the poisonous drinks. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspect is helping the police with their investigations. In addition, 14 others were arrested for breaking the local government's ban on selling the herbal products.

"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," Jimoh said.

This development follows the arrest of one Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as 'Meko.' He is suspected to be involved in producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting the police.

Even with the ban on locally produced drinks, many users have not stopped buying them from sellers who still offer them.

One user who spoke to this reporter on Wednesday claimed the drink is good for curing back pain and other stomach issues. He said not all the products are poisonous and was sure he was buying from the right source.