No fewer than 24 people have died in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the consumption of a suspected herbal concoction, while several others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
The incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has thrown residents of the affected communities into mourning and heightened concerns over the safety of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic mixtures.
The deaths were recorded in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, with reports indicating that 16 people died in Odigbo town and eight in Araromi-Obu. Other reports have also mentioned Orita New Town among the affected areas.
Residents said some of the victims reportedly became unconscious after consuming the substance. Some allegedly died at home or in their sleep, while others were rushed to hospitals after developing serious health complications. Several people who consumed the suspected concoction are said to remain hospitalised.
Confirming the fatalities, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, said the council could confirm the death of 24 people but stressed that the actual cause of the deaths had not yet been scientifically established.
According to him, medical experts from the Ondo State Ministry of Health are expected to conduct further examinations and autopsies to determine whether the herbal substance was responsible for the deaths.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed that the government had commenced investigations into the incident. He said the authorities were taking the development seriously and would provide further information when the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that authorities have taken precautionary measures in the affected communities, including restrictions on the sale and consumption of some sachet herbal preparations and locally brewed alcoholic drinks pending the outcome of the investigation.
