At least 24 people have died in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming an herbal liquid substance.
Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations, while several other residents who consumed the substance are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu.
Taiwo Adegoroye, chairman of Odigbo LGA, confirmed the death toll but stressed that the actual cause of the deaths had not yet been established.
“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals,” he said.
“But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death, and we are still waiting for the team from the state ministry of health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause.”
Adegoroye said the local government had suspended the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected communities while investigations continue.
He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy indicated a possible connection between the deaths and consumption of the substances, although further medical examinations were needed to establish the cause.
Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, also confirmed the incident and said the state government had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, he did not disclose the specific substance suspected to be involved.
Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State police spokesperson, said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the deaths, which are “suspected to be connected with possible poisoning.”
Jimoh said police officers, including personnel from the police medical services, were working alongside officials from the state Ministry of Health and Odigbo LGA health authorities to gather relevant evidence and information.
“At this stage, the Command wishes to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing,” he said.
“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.”
The police spokesperson urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and assist investigators by providing relevant information.
“Members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation,” he added.