The Ondo State Government and police have launched an investigation into a series of deaths reported in communities across Odigbo Local Government Area.
The fatalities were recorded in Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita and Araromi-Obu on Saturday, September 5, amid reports that some victims may have consumed locally produced alcoholic drinks or herbal concoctions.
The state government initially confirmed 24 deaths eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town. Reports claiming that the toll has risen to 30 have not been independently confirmed by authorities.
The Ondo State Police Command said it was still verifying the casualty figures from the affected communities and health facilities.
Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said on Thursday night that authorities had yet to establish the exact number of deaths.
Police Medical Services personnel are working with the state Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government health authorities to determine the cause of the fatalities.
Medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted, with samples of suspected substances, as well as blood and urine samples from patients, sent for laboratory analysis.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections. He, however, said the specific cause of the deaths remained unknown.
Ajaka disclosed that some accounts indicated that victims might have consumed alcohol mixed with an unidentified substance or herbal concoction before falling ill.
The government has warned residents against consuming unapproved herbal drinks, concoctions and other substances not certified for human consumption.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, urged residents to obtain medicines and other consumables only from authorised outlets and seek professional medical advice rather than rely on unverified remedies.
The government also warned producers and distributors of uncertified substances to stop the practice, stressing that violations could attract sanctions under the law.
Authorities urged residents to report suspicious production or distribution of potentially dangerous substances.
The cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed as investigations and laboratory examinations continue. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unverified substances until the results of the ongoing tests are released.
