Ondo State Reports 29 Deaths from Toxic Alcoholic Drink

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, reported that a locally produced alcoholic substance served at two naming ceremonies in Odigbo Local Government Area has been linked to the deaths of 29 individuals and the hospitalization of several others. A total of 121 persons were affected, including 60 suspected cases, three currently hospitalized, and 27 under observation.

The provisional case-fatality ratio stands at approximately 48.3%, with most affected individuals being males aged between 16 and 55 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the toxic substance was brought to the ceremonies by an individual not related to the hosting families.

In response to the incident, the Ondo State Government has banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and herbal beverages in the area. Dr. Ajaka confirmed the arrest of a suspect in Araromi-Obu connected to the production and distribution of the toxic substances and stated that health facilities in Ore and Araromi-Obu have been bolstered to manage the situation.