The death toll from the suspected toxic-drink incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has reportedly risen to 32, with more than 50 people said to be receiving treatment in hospitals across the affected communities.
The incident has triggered widespread concern in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, where residents reportedly fell ill after consuming suspected herbal alcoholic drinks and other locally produced concoctions.
The Ondo State Government initially confirmed 24 deaths following the incident, while the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, later put the number at 27. A subsequent local report published on Thursday cited community sources who said the death toll had risen to 32 after additional deaths were recorded overnight.
Health authorities are continuing efforts to treat those affected, while investigations are ongoing to establish the exact substance responsible for the deaths.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, had earlier confirmed the fatalities and said medical and health officials were conducting further assessments to determine the cause of the deaths.
Government Moves Against Unapproved Drinks
Following the tragedy, the Ondo State Government warned residents against consuming unapproved herbal drinks, concoctions and other substances whose safety has not been established.
The government also warned producers, sellers and distributors of uncertified substances to stop their production and distribution, stressing that public health and safety remained a priority.
The development has also renewed concerns over the regulation and widespread availability of locally produced alcoholic mixtures, particularly products sold without clear information about their ingredients or safety.
Residents Await Cause of Death
While the incident has been widely linked by residents to the consumption of suspected herbal alcoholic drinks, authorities have yet to conclusively establish the precise cause of the deaths.
Medical personnel are treating survivors, while health officials continue to gather evidence that could determine whether a particular substance, contamination or other factor was responsible.
Community reports indicate that more than 50 affected persons remain in hospitals, although the exact number of patients and their current conditions may change as medical assessments continue.
The tragedy has left families and communities in mourning and prompted renewed calls for tighter monitoring of locally produced alcoholic beverages and other unregulated substances.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as laboratory examinations and investigations progress.
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