24 Residents Die After Consuming Herbal Substance in Ondo

The Ondo State Government confirmed the deaths of 24 residents from Odigbo Local Government Area after they consumed a herbal liquid substance. The incident occurred on Saturday, affecting the communities of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, where eight and 16 individuals died, respectively.

Many others were hospitalized. Mr. Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, stated that an autopsy is awaited to ascertain the cause of death, although preliminary assessments suggest a link to the consumed substance.

Adegoroye has banned the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks as a precaution. Dr. Banji Ajaka, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but did not disclose the specific substance involved.

The government is treating the matter with urgency and will provide further details following the investigation.