The death toll from a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected, according to the state government.
The crisis, initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been recorded.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health Dr. Banji Ajaka confirmed the latest figures, saying about 170 people had been affected, including those admitted for treatment and those who died.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue,” Ajaka said, adding that eight deaths had been recorded there as of Tuesday night.
He said the state had deployed medical and health teams to the affected communities and was intensifying efforts to prevent the crisis from spreading.
The commissioner linked the incident to the consumption of ethanol by victims.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over alleged involvement in producing the herbal liquid suspected to be linked to the deaths.
Police spokesman DSP Abayomi Jimoh said 14 other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.
The command said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances containing methanol and was assisting with investigations.
Police said the bodies of the deceased were undergoing medical and forensic procedures as investigations continue. The command said it would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
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