The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, while about 170 people have been affected, health authorities have confirmed.
The incident, initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele Local Government Area, where additional deaths have been recorded.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, had earlier disclosed that 30 people died in the two affected communities, with 14 deaths recorded in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo.
However, the casualty figure has continued to rise, reaching 49 as of Wednesday.
Adegoroye said the situation had largely been brought under control following the deployment of medical teams by the state and local governments to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said Irele was now the area most seriously affected by the health emergency.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Ajaka said about 14 people had died in Irele as of Wednesday night, while the total number of affected persons, including those hospitalised and those who died, had risen to about 170.
He said, “As we are now, Irele (LG) is where we have serious issue now. Our people were there and many people have died. About 14 people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday’s night.
“So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”
The commissioner attributed the health emergency to the consumption of ethanol, saying the state government had intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the state.
“We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue. Our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” he said.
The Ondo State Police Command had earlier arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” who is suspected of producing the herbal liquid allegedly linked to the deaths.
Fourteen other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a ban imposed by local government authorities on the sale of herbal products.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had commenced an investigation into the incident.
He added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic examinations.
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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