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 of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this on Friday night in Akure, saying 60 suspected cases had been recorded in connection with the incident.
Ajaka said three victims were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others remained under medical observation.
The latest figure represents an increase from the 24 deaths earlier confirmed by the state government on Wednesday and the 27 deaths reported by the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, on Thursday.
According to the commissioner, 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, with cases recorded mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.
He said affected persons presented symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual disturbance, difficulty in breathing and altered consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths,” he said.
Ajaka disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic substances had also been submitted for toxicological investigations.
He said the investigation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, adding that several suspects had been taken into custody.
The commissioner said the state government had also imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area.
He urged residents to avoid alcoholic products from unlicensed sources and seek immediate medical attention if they experienced blurred vision, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.
Ajaka also appealed to residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
He assured residents that the state government was working with national and international partners to identify the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of lives.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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