Health officials commence investigation into suspected toxic substances in herbal concoctions
Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the reported deaths of at least 24 people in suspected cases of poisoning.
The deaths were reportedly recorded over the weekend in parts of Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, while several other residents were said to have been hospitalised after falling ill.
Some of the victims were reportedly found dead in their homes, while others were said to have died in their sleep.
The death toll, initially put at 16, later rose to 24, heightening tension in the affected communities and prompting calls for urgent intervention by the government and health authorities.
Concerned youths reportedly took to the streets and proceeded to the palace of the Odigbo traditional ruler, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, where they demanded explanations and urgent measures to prevent further deaths.
The monarch appealed for calm, assuring the protesters that relevant authorities would investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatalities and work towards resolving the situation.
Health Officials Launch Investigation
The Ondo State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with health authorities in Odigbo Local Government, has commenced preliminary investigations into the reported deaths.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident and said the government was investigating to establish the actual cause of the fatalities.
Ajaka cautioned against attributing the deaths conclusively to any particular substance until medical investigations and laboratory analyses had been completed.
He assured residents that the government was treating the situation seriously and would provide further information once the investigation produced conclusive findings.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Ayodele Adiji, who visited the scene, said preliminary findings suggested a possible connection between some of the fatalities and the consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks.
Adiji specifically mentioned a locally brewed alcoholic beverage popularly known as “Monkey Tail”, alongside other locally prepared herbal and ethanol-based drinks.
He, however, stressed that the preliminary findings were not conclusive, explaining that samples had been collected for laboratory analysis.
According to him, toxicological and other medical investigations would determine whether consumption of the suspected drinks was directly responsible for the deaths.
The Permanent Secretary said authorities would rely on scientific evidence before reaching a final conclusion on the cause of the fatalities.
Council Imposes One-Month Ban
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, has imposed a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks across the council area.
Adegoroye said the measure was precautionary and aimed at protecting residents while health authorities continued their investigations.
He explained that a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the council’s health team indicated a possible link between the reported deaths and consumption of certain locally produced substances.
The chairman, however, emphasised that the preliminary assessment was inconclusive and that further toxicological investigations were required to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
He warned that anyone found selling, distributing or consuming the banned locally produced alcoholic drinks during the restriction period could face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Residents Urged to Exercise Caution
The development has renewed concerns over the proliferation of unregulated alcoholic beverages, herbal concoctions and other locally prepared substances in some communities.
Residents have been advised to avoid suspicious or unverified herbal preparations and locally brewed alcoholic drinks pending the outcome of the investigation.
Health officials are expected to conduct further medical examinations, collect additional samples and analyse substances recovered from the affected communities.
The investigation is expected to establish whether poisoning occurred and, if confirmed, identify the substance responsible.
Meanwhile, families of the victims remain in mourning, while residents continue to express concern over the possibility of further deaths.
Authorities have been urged to expedite the investigation, make the findings public and implement appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence if a toxic substance is confirmed to have caused the fatalities.
