The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died from suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in Akure on Friday night, saying 60 suspected cases had been recorded following the incident.
He said three people were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others remained under medical observation.
Ajaka said about 95% of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, with cases reported mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.
The victims reportedly developed symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some patients deteriorated rapidly.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance,” Ajaka said.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths.”
The commissioner said 36 blood and urine samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic substances had also been submitted for toxicological testing.
He added that the investigation was being conducted with relevant regulatory and security agencies, with several suspects already taken into custody.
The state government has also imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area.
Ajaka urged residents to avoid alcoholic products from unlicensed sources and seek immediate medical attention if they experience blurred vision, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.
He also called on residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
The commissioner assured residents that the government was working with national and international partners to establish the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of life.
