At least 24 people have died after consuming a suspected herbal liquid substance in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu. Several other residents who reportedly consumed the substance are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Taiwo Adegoroye, chairman of Odigbo LGA, confirmed that eight people died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others died in Odigbo town.
However, he said the exact cause of the deaths had not been established, pending medical tests and laboratory analyses.
“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals,” Adegoroye said.
He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy indicated a possible connection between the deaths and consumption of the substances, but further medical examinations were required.
The local government has subsequently banned the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected communities pending the outcome of investigations.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident and said the state government had commenced investigations to determine the cause of the deaths.
The police said the deaths were being investigated as suspected cases of poisoning.
Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in Ondo State, said officers, including personnel from the police medical services, were working with the state Ministry of Health and Odigbo health authorities to gather evidence and determine what happened.
He cautioned residents against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance while investigations and laboratory analyses are ongoing.
The police urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with investigators and avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.