Ondo government bans local alcoholic drink after 29 deaths from suspected contamination

The Ondo State Government has confirmed that the death toll from suspected consumption of a contaminated alcoholic beverage in Araromi-Obu and other communities in Odigbo Local Government Area has risen to 29, according to Channels Television.

State Health Commissioner Banji Awolowo-Ajaka disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Akure, noting that 60 cases have been recorded in total, with three patients currently on admission and 27 others under observation. He said victims suffered headaches, body pain, weakness, vision problems, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness, with some dying within hours .

Officials said 95 percent of those affected are males aged 16 to 55. The state has banned the sale of locally brewed alcoholic herbal beverages in the area, and samples have been sent for toxicological analysis.