The Ondo State Government has prohibited the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks and other substances whose sources or regulatory status cannot be verified, following the deaths of 29 people in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government also instructed security agencies to clamp down on individuals involved in the distribution of illegal or unapproved products across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, announced the directive in a statement issued after reports of deaths and illness emerged from several communities in Odigbo.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, confirmed that 29 people had died while 60 suspected cases had been identified following the consumption of a drink suspected to be contaminated. Three affected persons were receiving treatment in hospitals, while another 27 remained under medical observation.
According to the health commissioner, about 95 per cent of those affected were males between 16 and 55 years old. Cases were recorded in communities including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
Reported symptoms included headaches, body pains, weakness, impaired vision, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some victims reportedly suffered rapid deterioration before dying within a few hours.
Government Awaits Laboratory Confirmation
Despite the strong suspicion surrounding the alcoholic substance, the state government said it had not yet obtained scientific evidence confirming that the drink was responsible for the deaths.
Ajaka explained that the pattern of illness and the reported exposure history had raised concerns about possible poisoning from a toxic alcoholic substance. However, laboratory tests are still required to establish the actual cause.
Authorities have collected 36 blood and urine samples from affected individuals, while samples of the suspected alcoholic products have also been submitted for toxicological examination.
Scientific personnel from the Ondo State Ministry of Health have also been deployed to the affected communities to examine the suspected substance and determine its composition.
Warning to Sellers and Consumers
The state government urged residents to avoid buying or consuming alcoholic products and other substances that have not been properly verified, particularly drinks packaged in sachets or bottles without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Traders and distributors were equally warned against dealing in products whose source, contents or regulatory status could not be established.
The government said anyone who violates the directive would face legal consequences.
It explained that the measure was introduced to prevent additional deaths and stop the incident from spreading to other parts of Ondo State.
Residents were also encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious products or activities to the appropriate authorities as investigations continue into the deaths.
The government said the ongoing investigation is intended to identify the substance responsible for the incident, if laboratory tests eventually confirm the suspected link, while protecting residents from further harm.
