By our reporter 17.9.2026
Ondo State commissioner for health Dr Banji Ajaka confirmed the death toll from the consumption of a local herbal brew in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in the Odigbo Local Government Area, has risen to 49, while 170 other people are still battling for their lives.
The tragic turn of events unfolded on September 8 when 29 people died after consuming the local brew, and 121 persons needing medical help. But providing an update on Thursday Dr. Ajaka, said that new cases were recorded in Irele Local Government Area.
According to the commissioner the deaths in Odigbo were caused when the poisonous alcohol was consumed at two different naming ceremonies. He said an individual bought the substance and brought it to guests to consume.
He added that health authorities were intensifying surveillance, case management and contact tracing to contain the outbreak and identify the source of the poisonous substance.
According to him the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies are cooperating to find the source of the deadly product.
Ondo State has banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in the affected areas to prevent further consumption of the poisoned product.
Meanwhile the police are said to have arrested a man in Araromi-Obu in connection with the production and distribution of the substances, while further investigation is ongoing.
