Ondo govt probes death of 24 persons from suspected poisoning

The Ondo State Government has launched an investigation into the deaths of over 24 individuals in the Odigbo Local Government Area, suspected to be due to poisoning from a locally brewed alcoholic substance. These deaths occurred over the weekend in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, leaving residents in mourning. Preliminary investigations reveal that over 24 people, mainly youths, died from suspected poisoning caused by the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks.

Several other victims are receiving treatment in hospitals, with medical personnel working tirelessly to stabilize them. Dr Banji Ajaka, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed the incident in an interview with NAN, stating that the government has initiated a comprehensive and urgent investigation. "We're currently on the ground with officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organisation (WHO), and other relevant agencies.

We want to conduct a thorough investigation to know the cause," Ajaka said. The exact number of deaths is still unclear, as some bodies were buried immediately, others are in the mortuary, while some victims remain in hospital admission. Ajaka urged against premature speculations, emphasizing that it would be premature to attribute the deaths to any specific substance until laboratory analyses and medical investigations were concluded.