The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed the development in Akure while giving an update on the incident.
According to him, authorities have recorded 60 suspected cases, with three affected persons currently receiving treatment in hospitals and 27 others placed under medical observation.
Ajaka said about 95 per cent of those affected are males between the ages of 16 and 55.
The cases have mainly been reported in communities including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
Residents in the affected communities reportedly developed health complications after consuming substances suspected to be locally brewed herbal alcoholic drinks.
The symptoms recorded among those affected include headaches, body pain, weakness, visual impairment, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness.
The commissioner said some patients experienced rapid deterioration after developing the symptoms.
He explained that the pattern of illness and the reported exposure had created a strong epidemiological suspicion that a toxic alcoholic substance may be responsible.
However, he stressed that laboratory evidence is still required to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
As part of efforts to determine what caused the incident, health officials have collected 36 blood and urine samples from affected persons for laboratory analysis.
Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been submitted for toxicological testing.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, while several suspects have reportedly been taken into custody.
Following the incident, the Ondo State Government imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government also advised residents to avoid alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Ajaka urged anyone who develops symptoms such as blurred vision, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.
He also called on residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government, working with national and international partners, was taking steps to establish the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of lives.
Authorities have stressed that although there is strong suspicion of toxic alcohol exposure, the exact substance responsible remains unconfirmed until laboratory and toxicological investigations are completed.
