The Ondo State government has launched an investigation into the deaths of over 24 persons in the Odigbo Local Government Area due to suspected poisoning from a locally brewed alcoholic substance.

The deaths, which occurred over the weekend in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, have thrown residents into mourning.

Over 24 persons, mostly youths, died in the two communities from suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks.

Several other victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, with medical personnel working to stabilise them.

The state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, saying the government had launched an urgent and comprehensive investigation.

“We’re right now in the field with officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant agencies.

“We want to conduct a thorough investigation to know the cause. From our preliminary report, it is allegedly due to the injection of an alcoholic substance.

“I cannot give the exact figure of the deaths now. Some of the deaths were buried immediately. Some are in the mortuary, while some of the victims are still on admission in hospitals.

“The incident affected Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities,” the commissioner said.

Mr Ajaka cautioned against speculations, stressing that it would be premature to attribute the deaths to any particular substance until laboratory analyses and medical investigations were concluded. 

(NAN)