The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected by the health crisis.
The crisis, which initially affected Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has spread to Irele LGA, where eight deaths have been recorded.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the number of affected persons had risen to about 170, including those admitted and those who died.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” Ajaka said.
The commissioner attributed the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by victims and said medical teams had been deployed to affected communities.
He said the state government had intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent it from spreading to other local government areas.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be linked to the deaths.
The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products imposed by the local government.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the police, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting investigators.
The command said the situation had been contained following security, medical and investigative interventions.
It added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.
The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
