Local Concoction Consumption Kills 24 In Ondo
At least 24 people have died in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming locally brewed alcoholic drinks, with authorities now investigating the suspected cause of the deaths.
The fatalities were recorded between September 3 and 7 across Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo communities, while several other residents are reportedly receiving treatment in hospitals.
The state government, through the Ministry of Health, said preliminary findings had established a possible link between the deaths and the consumption of locally produced alcoholic beverages, popularly known as “Monkey Tail”.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ayodele Adeji, disclosed this during a visit to the affected community, saying samples had been collected for laboratory and toxicological analysis.
According to him, “Monkey Tail” and other herbal and ethanol-based drinks have emerged as substances of interest in the ongoing investigation.
He, however, cautioned against drawing a definite conclusion until laboratory examinations are completed.
“Further investigations are required to establish whether there is any direct connection between the consumption of the drinks and the reported deaths,” he said.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government was taking the development seriously but declined to identify any specific substance as responsible for the deaths pending the outcome of medical and laboratory assessments.
Residents told authorities that some of the victims died in their homes, while others reportedly died in their sleep.
The traditional ruler of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, also appealed for calm as youths from the community marched to his palace demanding urgent action to stop further deaths.
As a precautionary measure, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, imposed a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area.
Adegoroye said a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team indicated a possible connection between the deaths and the consumption of certain locally produced substances.
He warned that anyone found selling or distributing the banned drinks during the restriction period would be arrested and prosecuted.
Authorities have continued to investigate the incident as residents await the outcome of toxicological tests to determine the exact cause of the deaths.
