24 Die After Consuming Herbal Drinks in Ondo

At least 24 people have died in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming a suspected herbal drink, with several others hospitalised.

The deaths occurred in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, where residents reportedly consumed the substance at different locations on Saturday before some became unconscious.

Eight people died in Araromi Obu, while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town, according to the local government chairman, Taiwo Adegoroye.

A source in the area said some of the victims died in their sleep, while others died after returning home.

The source added that several people who also consumed the substance remained in hospitals receiving treatment.

“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.

Confirming the deaths, Adegoroye said the actual cause had yet to be established.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the local government was awaiting a medical team from the state Ministry of Health to conduct tests and autopsies on the deceased.

Adegoroye said the local government had also suspended the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area as a precaution.

He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy by the local government health team indicated a possible connection between the deaths and consumption of the substances.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the deaths.

Ajaka said health officials would conduct further assessments in the affected communities but did not identify the substance suspected in the deaths.

“The government is taking the matter seriously and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

The incident has plunged the affected communities into mourning and raised concerns over the safety of locally produced drinks.

Some youths in Odigbo later staged a protest and proceeded to the palace of the traditional ruler to demand answers and urgent action.

Receiving the youths, the monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed for calm.

He assured them that efforts would continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and prevent further loss of life.