Ondo Tragedy: Govt bans production, distribution of local alcoholic drinks as death toll rises to 29

The Ondo State Government has confirmed the death of five more persons who reportedly consumed a locally brewed alcoholic drink in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, announced the development while addressing journalists in Akure on Friday.

Reports of the death of 24 persons in some communities in the area emerged during the week following their consumption of the alcoholic drink suspected to have poisoned.

However, Mr Ajaka said as of Friday, additional five persons had lost their lives bringing the total number of deaths to 29.

He explained that the current list contains 60 suspected cases, of which 29 persons have unfortunately died, three persons on admission, while the remaining 27 are under observation.

“This represents a provisional case-fatality ratio of approximately 48.3 percent. The majority (95 per cent) of those affected are males, with ages ranging from 16 to 55 years,” he added.

Mr Ajaka said the cases were identified principally in New Town, Odole, Okele and Orita Odigbo in Odigbo Ward, and subsequently in Araromi Obu.

He said a further suspected case has now been reported from Oniparaga, which is also being placed under active surveillance.

“The Ministry of Health became aware of the initial cluster following reports of sudden deaths in New Town on 3 September 2026. Further investigation established additional deaths in the surrounding settlements over the subsequent days.

“As the investigation progressed, a second cluster was identified in Araromi Obu, where 8 persons reportedly died following consumption of an alcoholic substance at a naming ceremony,” Mr Ajaka said while giving further details.

He added, “The clinical features reported among affected persons included headache, generalised body pains, weakness, visual disturbance, difficulty in breathing, and altered consciousness with some patients deteriorating rapidly resulting in death.

“The pattern of illness and the reported history of exposure have raised a strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to probable toxic alcoholic substance. However, I want to emphasise this very carefully: We are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of deaths.

“Therefore, all cases remain classified as suspected cases, until the specific toxic agent responsible is identified. The investigation therefore remains ongoing.”

The commissioner said that the state government has activated a coordinated emergency response with the Ministry of Health leading the team.

According to him, the response include deployment of the State Rapid Response Team to the affected communities; commencing an active and retrospective case finding; epidemiological investigation and line-listing; and verbal autopsy of selected deceased persons.

He said the government is also engaged in clinical management and referral of surviving patients; collection and submission of biological and environmental specimens for laboratory investigation; community sensitisation and risk communication; provision of essential health commodities to affected facilities; enforcement closure of suspected alcoholic outlets linked to the event; and collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Services, NAFDAC, NDLEA and the World Health Organisation.

Mr Ajaka urged any member of the public who develops disturbed or blurred vision, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness or collapse, confusion, altered consciousness or loss of consciousness, particularly following recent consumption of an alcoholic substance, to seek medical attention immediately.

“Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Do not attempt to treat the condition at home. Do not rely on traditional remedies or unverified medications,” he said.

The commissioner also appealed to families and community leaders to report any unusual illness or sudden death promptly to the health authorities so that our surveillance teams can investigate without delay.

He further vowed that anyone found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed poisonous substances will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The State Police Command had earlier indicated plan to commence an investigation into the deaths, urging residents to be wary of drawing quick conclusions.

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The state Commissioners for Information, Down Ajanaku, also issued a statement warning residents of consuming any beverage or other locally brewed alcoholic drink not authorised or certified by any government agency.

“The Government urges members of the public to exercise utmost caution and desist from patronising or consuming substances of doubtful origin, stressing that the safety, health and wellbeing of the people remain key priorities of the present administration.

“The Government also strongly cautions sellers, producers and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately desist from such practices, as the production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law,” Mr Ajanaku said.