Ondo: 29 Dead in Suspected Toxic Alcohol Outbreak in Odigbo
By Olusegun HOSEA, Akure
At least 29 people have died in Ondo State following suspected exposure to a toxic substance in locally made alcoholic drinks in Odigbo Local Government Area, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, has disclosed.
Ajaka, who briefed journalists on Friday, said the state had so far recorded 60 suspected cases, with three patients currently receiving treatment and 27 others under observation.
The provisional case fatality ratio stands at 48.3 per cent, while about 95 per cent of those affected are males aged between 16 and 55.
The suspected cases have been recorded mainly in Newtown, Odole, Okele and Odita-Odigbo, all within Odigbo Ward, with additional cases reported in Araromi Obu and a suspected case now under surveillance in Oniparaga.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health first became aware of the outbreak after reports of sudden deaths in Newtown on September 3, 2026.
Further investigations uncovered additional deaths in neighbouring communities. A second cluster was subsequently identified in Araromi Obu, where eight people reportedly died after consuming an alcoholic substance at a naming ceremony.
Affected persons reportedly presented symptoms including headache, general body pain, weakness, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some deteriorated rapidly and died.
Ajaka said the pattern of illness and the history of exposure had raised a strong epidemiological suspicion of poisoning linked to a toxic alcoholic substance.
He, however, stressed that laboratory confirmation is still pending.
“We are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of deaths. Therefore, all cases remain classified as suspected cases until the specific toxic agent responsible is identified,” he said.
Samples collected for toxicological analysis
The commissioner said the State Rapid Response Team had collected 36 biological specimens, including blood and urine samples, from affected persons.
Samples of suspected alcoholic substances recovered from the communities have also been secured and submitted for toxicological analysis.
The investigations are being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ajaka said the laboratory findings would help determine the specific toxic agent involved and guide further public health action.
Government bans local alcoholic drinks in Odigbo
The Ondo State Government has activated an emergency response involving the Ministry of Health, affected local government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies and regulatory bodies.
The government has also imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area as a precautionary measure.
Health officials have been deployed to affected communities for active and retrospective case finding, epidemiological investigations, clinical management, referral of patients, community sensitisation and risk communication.
Authorities have also moved to close suspected alcoholic outlets linked to the outbreak.
Security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, are collaborating on the investigation.
Several suspects allegedly linked to the distribution of the suspected substances have reportedly been taken into custody.
The commissioner said those found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed the substances would face the law, while stressing that the investigations would follow due process.
Residents urged to seek urgent medical attention
The government has urged residents, particularly those in and around Odigbo, to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as blurred or disturbed vision, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness or collapse, confusion, or loss of consciousness after consuming alcoholic substances.
Residents have also been warned against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or relying on traditional remedies and unverified medications.
Ajaka said the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMED) was fully engaged and prepared to receive affected patients.
He also appealed to families and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
Government warns against rumours
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about alleged victims, suspects or the source of the outbreak.
He also appealed to journalists to distinguish between confirmed facts, suspected findings and issues that remain under investigation.
Ajaka said the government would continue working with national and international partners to identify the toxic agent, protect exposed persons, provide treatment and prevent further deaths.
He assured residents that findings from the investigation would be communicated to the public as soon as they become available.
The government advised residents to avoid alcoholic substances from unlicensed sources and report suspicious products or illnesses promptly.
