The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 24 residents of Odigbo Local Government Area following the consumption of a herbal liquid substance, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The deaths were reported in two communities, Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, where eight people reportedly died in Araromi Obu and another 16 in Odigbo town.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, has sparked concern and mourning across the affected communities, with several other residents who consumed the substance said to be receiving treatment in hospitals.
A source in the area said some of the affected residents became unconscious after consuming the herbal substance, with some reportedly dying while asleep or after returning home.
However, authorities have cautioned against drawing a definite conclusion about the cause of death until medical examinations are completed.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed that 24 people had died but said the actual cause remained unknown.
According to him, eight deaths were recorded in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, while several other people remained hospitalised.
Adegoroye said the local government was awaiting a medical team from the Ondo State Ministry of Health to conduct further examinations and autopsies to determine what caused the deaths.
As a precaution, the council chairman announced a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area.
He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team had suggested a possible connection between the deaths and consumption of the substances, although the finding had not established the definitive cause.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the deaths and said health officials were investigating the incident.
Ajaka did not identify the specific substance suspected to be responsible, stressing that further medical assessments would be conducted in the affected communities before any conclusion could be reached.
He said the state government was treating the incident seriously and would release additional information once investigations provide clearer answers.
Meanwhile, concerned youths in Odigbo staged a protest at the palace of the traditional ruler, demanding explanations and immediate action to prevent additional deaths.
The monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed to the protesters to remain calm and assured them that efforts were underway to establish what led to the deaths and find a lasting solution to the situation.
