Ondo herbal poisoning: Methanol, cannabis found in drinks that killed 48 — NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol and cannabis in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State, Nigeria. These drinks are linked to the deaths of 48 people and the blindness of seven others. As of September 17, 2026, 182 cases of illness had also been recorded.

The affected areas include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, and Oniparaga, with the highest impact in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu.

According to NAFDAC, 90 of the affected individuals were discharged, 31 were treated as outpatients, and six remain hospitalized. Symptoms reported include headache, body weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties, and altered consciousness. Preliminary findings from tests on 15 unlabelled samples show that 11 tested positive for cannabis indica, and gas chromatography confirmed high methanol concentrations, which are highly toxic and can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.

NAFDAC has arrested 15 people in connection with the suspected production, sale, and distribution of the contaminated beverages. They are actively conducting surveillance, case management, and risk-control measures across the affected communities in coordination with public health authorities. The agency strongly warns the public against purchasing or consuming unlicensed, unregistered, and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition.

Anyone experiencing sudden visual disturbances, severe headache, breathing difficulties, or altered consciousness after consuming such substances is advised to seek immediate medical attention.