Ondo Confirms 29 Deaths From Suspected Toxic Alcohol Consumption

The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following the suspected consumption of a contaminated alcoholic beverage in Araromi-Obu and other communities in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, disclosed this Friday while briefing journalists in Akure.

Awolowo-Ajaka said 60 cases had been recorded, with 29 deaths, three people currently receiving treatment in hospitals and 27 others under medical observation.

He said about 95% of those affected were males between the ages of 16 and 55, with cases reported mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.

The commissioner said victims had exhibited symptoms including headache, body pain, general weakness, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness.

He added that some patients deteriorated rapidly and died within a few hours.

“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance,” Awolowo-Ajaka said.

“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths.”

The commissioner disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic beverages had also been submitted for toxicological investigation.

He said the investigation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies.

As part of measures to contain the situation, the state government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area.

Awolowo-Ajaka also said several people suspected of selling the substance had been taken into custody.

He appealed to residents to avoid alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience blurred vision, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.

The commissioner advised anyone exhibiting symptoms to be taken immediately to the General Hospital in Ore or the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo.

He assured residents that the government was working with national and international partners to identify the exact cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of life.