Almost 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking alcohol suspected to contain methanol

Locally brewed alcohol is a common and affordable choice in rural areas of Nigeria, where regulation is lax. At least 48 people have perished and around 100 others are receiving medical attention after consuming a suspected methanol-laced concoction in southern Nigeria, according to officials on Thursday. Commissioner of health for Ondo state, Banji Ajaka, reported that the affected individuals were primarily from the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. An estimated 182 people have been impacted, with some receiving hospital care.

Sola Adebayo, a 32-year-old victim, recounted his experience, stating that after consuming two shots on Friday, he began experiencing vision impairment on Saturday. Ajaka, speaking about the drink, explained that the rapid onset of symptoms, including kidney failure, vision loss, and brain damage, was a direct result of consuming the contaminated substance.

The Ondo state police have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the incident, including one person allegedly involved in producing the suspected methanol-laced alcohol, who is currently assisting the police with their investigation.

Local residents speculate that a popular herbal drink called "Monkey Tail," known for its high alcohol content, may have been mixed with methanol, leading to the tragic outcome. A trader in Odigbo, who sells the concoction, acknowledged the existence of two versions of Monkey Tail: a safe original version and an unsafe alternative. Reports indicate that the first fatality was recorded nearly two weeks prior to the current incident.

The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has now imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, citing their accessibility to children and young people as the primary concern.