The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of selling a herbal concoction allegedly linked to the deaths of residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest came as the death toll from the incident reportedly rose to 32, with several other victims still receiving treatment in hospitals across the affected communities.
The incident has thrown communities including Odigbo town, Araromi-Obu, Orita and Newtown into mourning, following reports that residents who consumed locally produced alcoholic and herbal preparations subsequently became ill, with some losing their lives.
Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the arrest of the suspected seller, saying the individual had been handed over to the police for investigation. He said the authorities were working to establish the source and actual composition of the substance consumed by the victims. (Vanguard News)
Adegoroye had earlier confirmed 24 deaths in the affected communities, but the figure subsequently increased as more cases were recorded. According to reports, eight of the initial deaths occurred in Araromi-Obu while 16 were recorded in Odigbo town. Several other residents were taken to hospitals after developing symptoms following consumption of the suspected substance. (Blueprint Newspapers Limited)
The local government chairman said preliminary findings had raised concerns about a possible link between the deaths and the consumption of adulterated locally made alcoholic drinks. However, authorities have stressed that laboratory and toxicological examinations are necessary to conclusively determine what caused the deaths.
The Ondo State Government has consequently deployed health officials, including personnel working with relevant regulatory and health agencies, to investigate the incident and establish the actual cause of the illnesses and fatalities.
The police have also commenced a comprehensive investigation. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers from Police Medical Services were working with officials of the state Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government health authorities to gather evidence and conduct medical and toxicological examinations. (Blueprint Newspapers Limited)
The police command has cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information or prematurely attributing the deaths to a particular substance while investigations and laboratory analyses are still ongoing.
The command also urged residents to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious herbal preparations and locally produced alcoholic drinks pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Following the development, the Odigbo Local Government authorities imposed restrictions on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
Adegoroye said security agencies had also commenced enforcement against sellers of herbal concoctions across the local government area, warning that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested.
The development has generated anxiety among residents, particularly in communities where locally produced alcoholic drinks and herbal preparations are commonly sold. Community members have called for urgent government intervention to prevent further deaths and ensure that those responsible, if found culpable, face the law.
A survivor, Shola Adebayo, 32, reportedly recounted how he lost his sight after consuming a locally made drink known as “Monkey Tail.” He said he took two shots of the drink after it was brought from Ore and noticed the following day that he could no longer see properly. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. (Vanguard News)
The incident has also raised renewed concerns over the dangers posed by unregulated alcoholic beverages and herbal concoctions, particularly products whose ingredients, production processes and alcohol content are unknown.
Health authorities have continued to advise residents against self-medication and the consumption of substances whose safety has not been established by relevant regulatory agencies.
Meanwhile, the police said the arrest of the suspected seller would form part of a broader investigation aimed at tracing the source and distribution chain of the substance.
Authorities are expected to rely on laboratory analysis, medical records, toxicological examinations and statements from survivors and other witnesses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The police have assured residents that anyone found to have contributed to the incident through the production, distribution or sale of harmful substances will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with investigators and report any suspicious production or sale of unregulated alcoholic or herbal products.
The government and security agencies have also urged members of the public to prioritise their safety by avoiding suspicious drinks and immediately seeking medical attention if they develop unusual symptoms after consuming any herbal or alcoholic preparation.
The Ondo incident has once again highlighted the need for stronger regulation of locally produced alcoholic beverages and herbal preparations, as well as greater public awareness about the potential health risks associated with consuming unverified substances.
This version avoids presenting the “killer herbal drink” claim as an established fact while clearly reporting the arrest and the ongoing investigation.