The death toll from suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, the state government has confirmed.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in Akure on Friday night, saying 60 suspected cases had so far been recorded. He added that three victims were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others remained under medical observation.
According to him, 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, with cases reported in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.
Ajaka said the victims reportedly suffered symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual impairment, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness. However, he stressed that laboratory tests were still required to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
He said 36 blood and urine samples, alongside samples of the suspected alcoholic substances, had been collected for toxicological analysis. Several suspects have also been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The state government has meanwhile imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo LGA, while urging residents to avoid unlicensed alcoholic products and promptly seek medical attention when symptoms occur.
