The suspected toxic drink outbreak has spread to Irele Local Government Area, while police investigate alleged production of the substance.
The death toll linked to the consumption of suspected toxic herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, with approximately 170 people affected across three local government areas.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, saying eight deaths had been recorded in Irele Local Government Area.
The crisis was initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, where residents allegedly consumed the suspected toxic substance.
Crisis Spreads to Irele
Ajaka said the total number of affected persons includes those receiving treatment and those who have died.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” he said.
The commissioner added that medical teams had been deployed to affected locations to manage cases, monitor developments and prevent further spread.
Earlier, Odigbo Local Government Chairman Taiwo Adegoroye disclosed that eight people died in Araromi-Obu, while 16 others died in Odigbo.
He said the situation in the affected communities had improved following interventions by state and local government medical teams.
Police Arrest Suspected Producer
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over his alleged involvement in producing the herbal liquid suspected to be linked to the deaths.
The command also reportedly arrested 14 other people for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products in the affected local government area.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said it had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Police said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and was assisting investigators.
The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing medical and forensic procedures to help establish the circumstances and actual cause of the deaths.
Authorities Investigate Suspected Toxic Substance
Health authorities have linked the crisis to the consumption of toxic alcohol, while investigations continue to establish the precise substance involved.
The conflicting references to ethanol and suspected methanol contamination require laboratory and forensic confirmation. Neither should be presented as conclusively established until the investigation is completed.
The state government continues to deploy response teams to affected communities as officials work to contain the outbreak.
