By Dayo Johnson, AKURE
The death toll from suspected consumption of herbal drinks in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 30, while 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals, Vanguard has confirmed.
The reported deaths occurred in Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita and Araromi-Obu communities, triggering mourning and concern among residents.
The state government has consequently ordered a halt to the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks and other suspected concoctions in the affected areas, as health and security authorities intensify investigations into the incident.
However, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government had yet to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
Ajaka, who disclosed this after visiting health facilities in Araromi-Obu, said preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections.
He said reports available to the health authorities indicated that some of the victims might have consumed alcohol mixed with an unidentified substance or concoction before they became ill.
“We have not confirmed the source of death. Investigations are still ongoing,” the commissioner said.
Ajaka said samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were also being obtained from patients.
He added that post-mortem examinations would be conducted on some of the deceased to assist investigators in determining the cause of death.
The commissioner cautioned that the casualty figures were still being collated and had not been conclusively verified, as authorities were obtaining information from affected communities and hospitals.
He said a final figure would be released after the completion of the verification process.
Ajaka warned residents across the state against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures and other unverified concoctions, stressing that the health risks were not limited to Odigbo Local Government Area.
He added that anyone found producing or distributing substances suspected to be harmful would face prosecution.
Council orders halt to sales
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, said the council raised the alarm after observing an unusual pattern of deaths in some communities.
He said a medical team was immediately deployed to the affected areas.
As an immediate preventive measure, Adegoroye ordered a halt to the sale of locally produced alcohol in the affected communities.
He said security agencies had been directed to enforce the order, adding that some suspected sellers had been arrested.
Hotels and other establishments where the drinks were reportedly sold were also warned to suspend sales.
Adegoroye said three bodies had been deposited at the General Hospital for autopsy, while families of the deceased had been directed not to bury the bodies until the examinations were completed.
He added that the council had approached the court to seek a coroner’s inquest into the deaths.
The Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, HRM Oba Aderemi Adelola, commended the health team for its prompt response.
The monarch said the community had stopped the sale of suspected concoctions and alcoholic drinks, while appealing to the state government to upgrade the General Hospital, Araromi-Obu, with an ambulance, morgue, additional personnel and a blood bank.
Police commence investigation
The Ondo State Police Command said it was working with the state government and health authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the police said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing.
Jimoh urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information, saying the actual number of casualties and precise cause of the deaths would be established through the ongoing investigation.
He appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing information that could assist the investigation.
The police spokesperson also advised members of the public to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
He assured residents that the command was committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and would take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
Jimoh said the command would continue to liaise with the state government and other relevant agencies and provide further updates as credible findings emerge.
Govt warns against unapproved substances
The state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, also warned residents against consuming unapproved substances, herbal drinks and concoctions not certified as safe.
Ajanaku urged residents to obtain medicines only from authorised and regulated outlets and to seek professional medical advice rather than resort to unverified remedies.
He also cautioned citizens, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised use or consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
“Residents are advised to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets, and to seek professional medical advice rather than resorting to unverified remedies or substances,” he said.
Ajanaku said the government would continue to take appropriate measures, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, to protect the health and safety of residents.
He urged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
“The Government emphasises that protecting lives and promoting a safe and healthy society is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all residents,” he said.
The commissioner commended the Odigbo council chairman for his prompt response and assured residents that measures were being taken to safeguard public health and prevent a recurrence.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
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