Suspected poisoning kills 24 youths in Ondo community
Tension has escalated in the Odigbo Local Council Area of Ondo State following the deaths of 24 individuals, predominantly youths, over the weekend. The fatalities are suspected to be linked to poisoning from the consumption of sachet concoctions and locally brewed alcoholic drinks.
The deaths occurred in the Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, prompting local authorities to enact an immediate ban on the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic beverages. Health officials are currently working to determine the precise cause of the incidents.
Several other victims remain hospitalized as medical staff attempt to stabilize those affected by the suspected poisoning.
Dr. Banji Ajaka, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, confirmed the deaths and indicated that an investigation is underway to ascertain the actual cause. He refrained from identifying specific substances believed to be involved, emphasizing that further assessments in the impacted communities are necessary.
Ajaka stated that the government is treating the situation with seriousness and promised to deliver more information once the investigation reveals the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ayodele Adeji, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, indicated that initial findings suggest potential contamination with methanol. He noted that laboratory analyses of samples collected by the medical team are still in progress, and additional investigations will be required to explore any direct connection between the consumption of the local beverages and the reported deaths.
Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, reported that preliminary investigations by the local health team have indicated a possible relationship between the fatalities and the substances consumed.
