Horror in Ondo: Poisonous Herbal Drink Claims 49 Lives, Hospitalizes 170!

Ondo State, Nigeria, is grappling with a severe health crisis following the consumption of a deadly toxic alcohol drink, which has resulted in no fewer than 49 deaths and affected approximately 170 individuals across three local government areas. The tragic incident initially ravaged communities such as Araromi Obu and Odigbo within the Odigbo Local Council Area, before subsequently spreading to Irele Local Council Area.

The Commissioner for Health in Ondo State, Dr. Banji Ajaka, officially confirmed the escalating casualty figures, highlighting the grim progression of the crisis. Earlier reports indicated that 30 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities had succumbed to the substance. Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, initially reported 14 deaths in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo. However, subsequent findings showed a continuous rise in the death toll, culminating in 49 fatalities by Wednesday.

Dr. Ajaka specifically pointed to Irele Local Government Area as a current hotspot, confirming 19 deaths in that council alone. He stated that the total number of affected persons, encompassing both fatalities and those hospitalized, had reached around 170. "As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue now. Our people were there and many people have died," he remarked, further elaborating on the severity of the situation in Irele.

The Commissioner reiterated that the primary cause of this widespread health emergency is the consumption of ethanol by the victims. In response, the state government has intensified its efforts to contain the situation, deploying state and local government medical teams to the affected communities to prevent further spread. "We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue. Our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now," Ajaka assured.

Law enforcement has also taken action in connection with the incident. The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, widely known as “Meko,” who is suspected of producing the lethal herbal liquid. Additionally, 14 other individuals have been apprehended for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products imposed by local government authorities. DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway, with the bodies of the deceased undergoing necessary medical and forensic examinations.