Morganable News | Communities
The death toll from suspected consumption of toxic alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, with 60 suspected cases recorded.
LAgos —
The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following suspected consumption of contaminated alcoholic drinks in communities in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Akure.
He said 60 suspected cases had been recorded. Three affected persons were receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others were under medical observation.
Most of those affected were males between 16 and 55 years old.
The affected communities include Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
Residents reportedly fell ill after consuming substances suspected to be locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks.
Some of the victims developed headaches, body weakness, visual problems and difficulty breathing.
Others reportedly experienced altered consciousness. Some patients also deteriorated within a short period.
However, the state government has not yet confirmed the exact substance responsible for the deaths.
Ajaka said health officials had collected blood and urine samples from affected persons.
The samples were sent for laboratory analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic drinks were also submitted for toxicological testing.
The government said the tests are expected to help determine the exact cause of the illnesses and deaths.
Meanwhile, the state government has banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in the affected area.
It has also warned residents against consuming unverified alcoholic products.
The government urged residents to avoid products whose source, contents or regulatory status cannot be confirmed.
Security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban and take action against people involved in the sale and distribution of unapproved substances.
The police have also stepped up their investigation into the incident.
The Ondo State Police Command said it arrested 14 suspects in connection with the sale and consumption of the drinks.
The suspects include alleged sellers and consumers of the substances.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police are investigating the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the suspected drinks.
Officers also recovered substances suspected to contain methanol during the operation. The recovered substances are undergoing further examination.
The police also arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, who was identified as a suspected producer of one of the herbal liquid substances linked to the incident.
The police said the suspect was arrested as part of efforts to trace the source of the substance and understand how it was produced and distributed.
His arrest followed enforcement operations in the affected communities after the state government imposed restrictions on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks.
The 14 suspects arrested during the operation were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning.
The police said the investigation would cover the entire chain involved in the suspected drinks, including their source, production, composition, distribution and consumption.
The bodies of the deceased are also undergoing medical and forensic procedures.
According to the police, the examinations are part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The command said it would continue working with health authorities and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses.
The incident has raised concern among residents in Odigbo and surrounding communities.
The deaths were first reported after residents in parts of the local government became seriously ill following the consumption of suspected locally produced alcoholic substances.
Earlier reports put the number of deaths at 24. That figure later increased as health officials continued to verify cases from affected communities and hospitals.
The state government subsequently confirmed 29 deaths from 60 suspected cases.
The majority of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, according to the state government.
The government has maintained that the link between the suspected drinks and the deaths is still being investigated.
This is because the symptoms and reported exposure have created a strong suspicion of toxic alcohol exposure, but laboratory evidence is needed to establish the exact cause.
The state health authorities collected 36 blood and urine samples for analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances were also submitted for toxicological investigation.
The investigation has also involved health and regulatory agencies working to establish what caused the deaths and prevent further casualties.
Odigbo Local Government has also stepped up public awareness in the affected communities.
The council has engaged traditional rulers, Iyalojas and commercial motorists as part of efforts to discourage residents from consuming unverified herbal concoctions and alcoholic products.
The local government has also used radio jingles and social media messages to warn residents about the risks associated with unregulated products.
Security agencies, including the police and Amotekun Corps, have also been involved in enforcement activities across the affected communities.
Their efforts are focused on stopping the sale and distribution of suspected harmful substances.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with investigators and report any unusual illness or sudden death to health authorities.
Early reporting could help with medical intervention and the investigation, authorities said.
Health officials have also urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms after consuming alcohol or herbal preparations.
The symptoms requiring urgent attention include blurred vision, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion and loss of consciousness.
Authorities have further advised residents to report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths in their communities.
For families affected by the incident, the deaths have brought grief and uncertainty as investigations continue.
Residents are also waiting for the results of the laboratory and forensic examinations that could provide clearer answers about what happened.
The police have assured the public that the investigation will continue and that anyone found culpable will face appropriate legal action.
For now, the government has continued to discourage residents from consuming unregulated alcoholic and herbal products.
The authorities have also maintained restrictions on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected area.
As health officials, security agencies and regulatory bodies continue their investigation, the affected communities remain on alert.
The focus is now on identifying the substance responsible, preventing further deaths and ensuring that those responsible for producing or distributing harmful products are held accountable.
Until the laboratory and forensic findings are released, authorities continue to treat the cause of the deaths as a matter under investigation.
