No fewer than 24 people have died in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming a herbal liquid substance, with several others hospitalised as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The victims were from two communities, Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, where eight deaths were reportedly recorded in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, has thrown the affected communities into mourning.
A source in the area said the victims consumed the substance at different locations before some became unconscious. Some reportedly died while sleeping or after returning home, while others who consumed the substance were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed that 24 people had died but stressed that the actual cause of the deaths had not yet been established. He said the council was awaiting a medical team from the Ondo State Ministry of Health to conduct further tests and autopsies.
“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. But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death,” Adegoroye said.
The chairman said a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team indicated a possible link between the deaths and consumption of the substances. However, he maintained that the finding was not conclusive and that medical investigations were required to determine the actual cause.
As a precautionary measure, Adegoroye announced a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the deaths and said the state government had commenced investigations. He said health officials would carry out further assessments in the affected communities before releasing additional information.
“The government is taking the matter seriously and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Ajaka said.
Meanwhile, some youths in Odigbo reportedly staged a protest and visited the palace of the traditional ruler, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, to demand urgent action and explanations over the deaths. The monarch appealed for calm and assured residents that efforts were underway to determine what happened and prevent further loss of life.
Authorities are expected to provide further details after the completion of the medical examinations and investigations. Until then, the specific substance involved and the definitive cause of the deaths remain unconfirmed.
