Nigeria: Over 30 dead, 50 hospitalised after consuming alcoholic substance in Ondo State

More than thirty individuals have reportedly perished, while around fifty others are receiving medical attention in hospitals following the suspected consumption of tainted alcoholic beverages in villages across Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident has taken place in Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita, and Araromi-Obu, prompting concern among residents and prompting authorities to initiate investigations into the suspected origin of the substance.

In a preventive measure, the Ondo State Government has ordered the suspension of the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic beverages and other suspected concoctions in the affected regions. One survivor, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, reported experiencing severe health issues after consuming a locally-made alcoholic drink called "Monkey Tail."

Adebayo, who ingested two shots of the drink after receiving it from a friend in Ore, noticed deteriorating eyesight the following day. He stated, "I took Monkey Tail. On Saturday, I discovered I can't see very well, so I called my sister and I was taken to the hospital. I’m getting better, but I’m praying for my eyes. If God saved me, I swear I will never take any drinks again, even beer; I won’t take."

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed that authorities had not yet identified the exact cause of the deaths. He mentioned that preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections. Ajaka explained that some of the affected individuals may have consumed alcoholic drinks mixed with an unidentified substance or concoction.

Samples of the suspected drinks have been sent for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples from patients are being collected to aid medical professionals in determining the cause of the illnesses. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out on some of the deceased to establish the cause of their deaths. The state government has also ordered the cessation of the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks in the impacted communities, with security forces instructed to enforce the directive.

Three bodies have been taken to the General Hospital for autopsy, and families of the deceased have been instructed not to bury the bodies until the examinations are completed.