The Ondo State Government has confirmed that the death toll from Ondo toxic alcohol deaths has tragically climbed to 29 following a severe chemical poisoning outbreak linked to contaminated local beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, revealed during a press briefing in Akure on Friday night that public health officials have identified at least 60 suspected cases across multiple farming communities, including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele, and Oniparaga.
Currently, three patients are receiving emergency treatment in hospitals, while 27 individuals remain under close medical surveillance.
According to health reports, approximately 95 percent of those affected are males aged between 16 and 55, many of whom experienced a sudden and rapid physical deterioration shortly after consuming the suspect herbal liquid.
Epidemiological investigations into the Ondo toxic alcohol deaths indicate that victims suffered severe symptoms, including intense headaches, generalized body pain, extreme muscle weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties, and altered states of consciousness.
Epidemiological investigations into the Ondo toxic alcohol deaths indicate that victims suffered severe symptoms, including intense headaches, generalized body pain, extreme muscle weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties, and altered states of consciousness.
While laboratory confirmation remains pending, health authorities strongly suspect acute chemical toxicity stemming from unregulated brewing processes or industrial alcohol adulteration.
In response to the growing health crisis, public health teams have gathered 36 blood and urine samples from hospitalized patients alongside physical samples of the seized local gin for comprehensive toxicological analysis. State officials are collaborating with security agencies and national regulatory bodies to track the distribution supply chain, leading to the arrest and detention of several key suspects linked to the illicit manufacturing network.
To prevent further casualties from the Ondo toxic alcohol deaths crisis, the Ondo State Government has enacted an immediate temporary ban on the production, distribution, and sale of all locally brewed spirit beverages and alcoholic herbal mixtures throughout Odigbo Local Government Area.
To prevent further casualties from the Ondo toxic alcohol deaths crisis, the Ondo State Government has enacted an immediate temporary ban on the production, distribution, and sale of all locally brewed spirit beverages and alcoholic herbal mixtures throughout Odigbo Local Government Area.
Dr. Ajaka strongly cautioned residents against purchasing or consuming unpackaged or unlicensed alcoholic products, urging community members to seek immediate emergency care if they experience sudden weakness, blurred vision, or respiratory distress after drinking.
As state authorities partner with federal health agencies to contain the outbreak, local leaders have been directed to report any unreported illnesses or sudden deaths immediately to enable rapid medical intervention and safeguard public safety across vulnerable rural settlements.
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