At least 24 people have been confirmed dead in two communities in Odigbo LGA of Ondo state after consuming an herbal liquid substance.
TheCable understands that some of the victims allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu.
Several other residents who consumed the substance are said to be receiving treatment at various hospitals.
Taiwo Adegoroye, chairman of Odigbo LGA, who confirmed the death toll, said the victims had consumed the substance before the incident but noted that the actual cause of death 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.
“But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death, and we are still waiting for the team from the state ministry of health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause.”
Adegoroye said the local government had banned the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area pending investigations.
He said a preliminary verbal autopsy suggested a possible link between the deaths and consumption of the substances, although further medical examinations were required to establish the facts.
Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, who also confirmed the incident, said the government had commenced investigations to determine what led to the deaths.
However, he did not identify the specific substance suspected to be involved.
Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in Ondo, said in a statement that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the deaths “suspected to be connected with possible poisoning.”
Jimoh said police personnel, including officers from police medical services, are working with the state ministry of health and Odigbo LGA health authorities to collect relevant information and evidence.
“At this stage, the Command wishes to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing,” he said.
“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.”
The police spokesperson also advised residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing useful information.
“Members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation,” he added.