The number of people who have died in connection with suspected poisonous alcoholic and herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, while the number of affected people has increased to about 170 as the health crisis spreads to another local government area.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, confirmed the latest figures while giving an update on the situation in Akure. He said eight deaths had been recorded in Irele Local Government Area, where new cases have emerged after the crisis was initially identified in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area.
The outbreak was first reported in communities including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo. Earlier government updates had placed the number of deaths at 29, with 60 suspected cases recorded at that stage. The latest update shows that the number of people affected has increased significantly as health officials continue their investigation.
Ajaka said Irele had become the latest area of serious concern, with medical and health teams deployed to respond to the new cases. The government is also working to identify the source of the suspected poisonous substance and prevent the crisis from spreading to additional communities.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have raised concerns over the consumption of locally produced alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal substances. However, the authorities have maintained that investigations are necessary to establish the exact toxic substance responsible for the illnesses and deaths.
In an earlier update, the state government said laboratory evidence confirming the specific cause of the deaths was still being awaited. Health officials had described the pattern of illness and reported exposure to the substances as creating a strong epidemiological suspicion of poisoning, while continuing laboratory and forensic investigations.
The state government has activated a coordinated response involving health officials and other relevant agencies. Medical teams have been deployed to affected communities to identify cases, manage patients and monitor the situation. Surveillance activities are also being intensified as authorities work to determine whether there is a common source behind the reported cases.
The Ondo State Police Command has also commenced investigations. Police previously announced the arrest of Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as Meko, over alleged involvement in the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be connected to the deaths. The police said he was assisting investigators, while other arrests were also reported in connection with alleged violations of restrictions placed on the sale of herbal products.
Following the initial outbreak, the state government introduced restrictions on the production and sale of unauthorised locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal substances in affected areas. Authorities have continued to warn residents against consuming drinks or preparations whose contents and source cannot be verified.
The latest development has increased the urgency of the government’s response, particularly as cases have now been reported beyond the area where the outbreak was first detected. Health authorities are continuing surveillance and investigations while medical teams attend to affected residents.
The government has urged residents who experience unusual symptoms after consuming alcoholic or herbal preparations to seek medical attention immediately rather than attempting to treat themselves at home. Investigators are expected to provide further updates as laboratory examinations and other inquiries into the deaths continue.
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