The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected across parts of the state.
The incident was first reported on September 5 in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu, both in Odigbo Local Government Area, after residents reportedly consumed a herbal liquid substance.
Some of the victims allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
Following the deaths, the Ondo State Government on September 13 banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances.
The state police command subsequently arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, who was accused of producing the harmful alcoholic substances.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Ondo Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the situation had spread to Irele LGA, where eight people reportedly died on Tuesday.
He said the total number of affected persons had risen to about 170, comprising those who died and those currently receiving treatment.
“About eight people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday’s night,” Ajaka said.
The commissioner identified the consumption of ethanol as the main cause of the suspected poisoning.
He added that the state government was taking measures to prevent the incident from spreading to other local government areas.