Suspected methanol-laced drink kills at least 48 in Nigeria

At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a drink suspected to contain methanol, according to the Daily Mail, citing officials in Ondo State.

Banji Ajaka, Ondo State’s commissioner for health, said the cases were reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, with a total of 182 people believed to have been affected.

“This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,” Ajaka said. He added that some of those who fell ill have since been discharged from hospital.

Ondo State police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said 15 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. One of those arrested had allegedly been producing the drink suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting police with investigations.

Local media reports indicate the first death linked to the incident was recorded nearly two weeks ago, suggesting authorities may have taken time to establish the scale of the poisoning before it was widely reported.

Methanol poisoning is commonly linked to illicitly brewed or adulterated alcoholic drinks, particularly in regions where unregulated production is common. Symptoms can include blindness, organ failure and death, especially when consumed in high concentrations without prompt medical treatment.