The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people reportedly affected by the health crisis.
The outbreak, which was initially recorded in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been reported.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the number of affected persons had increased to about 170, including those receiving treatment and those who had died.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” Ajaka said.
The commissioner linked the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by victims, adding that medical teams had been deployed to the affected communities.
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He said the state government had stepped up measures to contain the crisis and prevent it from spreading to other local government areas.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be connected to the deaths.
The police also arrested 14 other individuals for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the command, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting investigators with information.
The police said the situation had been brought under control following coordinated security, medical and investigative interventions.
The command added that the remains of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.
The police assured that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.