Twenty-four people have died in Ondo State, Nigeria, after allegedly consuming a suspected toxic herbal liquid in Odigbo Local Government Area. The Ondo State Government has launched an investigation and imposed an immediate ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected communities.
Deaths in Araromi Obu and Odigbo Town
The victims were residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town. According to local sources, the victims consumed the herbal substance on Saturday at different locations. Shortly after, many became unconscious. Some died before receiving medical help, while others reportedly passed away in their sleep after returning home. Several other individuals who consumed the substance are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.
A community source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the shock among residents. "They (the deceased) drank the herbal substance and started dying, eight people died in Araromi Obu while 16 lost their lives in Odigbo town but we are yet to confirm if it is what they drank that killed them but we are sure that the people died after drinking the herbal drinks," the source said. "Some of the people died in their sleep while some died when they got home and many are still in the hospital as I am talking to you."
Government Response and Investigation
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the 24 deaths but stated that authorities cannot officially conclude the cause until medical experts complete their investigations. Health officials from the Ondo State Ministry of Health are expected to carry out autopsies and laboratory tests to determine the exact cause of death.
"We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town and many are still on admission at hospitals," Adegoroye said. "But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death and we are still waiting for the team from the state Ministry of Health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can't specifically say the real cause."
As a precaution, Adegoroye announced an immediate ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks within the affected communities. He also revealed that a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team pointed to a possible connection between the deaths and the substances consumed by the victims.
Public Health Emergency Declared
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident and said the government is treating the matter as a public health emergency. He explained that health officials would continue their assessment in the affected communities before releasing the outcome of the investigation.
"The government is taking the matter seriously and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident," Ajaka said.
Residents Protest, Traditional Ruler Appeals for Calm
The incident sparked anger among some youths in Odigbo, who staged a peaceful protest and marched to the palace of the traditional ruler to demand urgent action and better protection for residents. The monarch of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed for calm, assuring the community that efforts were underway to uncover what happened and prevent another tragedy.
Cases of suspected poisoning linked to herbal mixtures or locally produced alcoholic drinks have occasionally been reported in parts of Nigeria. Health experts have repeatedly warned Nigerians to be cautious about consuming unregulated herbal products, as some may contain harmful chemicals or toxic levels of alcohol. Authorities are expected to release the results of laboratory investigations in the coming days.
