By The Pivot Online
The Ondo State Government has sealed a facility in connection with the investigation into the deaths and illnesses associated with consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in parts of the state.
The development comes as authorities intensify investigations into the outbreak, which has so far been linked to 182 reported cases and 48 deaths, according to the latest figures released by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The affected communities are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga. Cases have also been reported in Irele Local Government Area.
The government’s latest action follows earlier enforcement measures and the arrest of persons suspected of involvement in the production, sale and distribution of the beverages under investigation.
The Ondo State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of a suspected producer and said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered and subjected to forensic examination to establish their composition and determine whether they were connected with the deaths.
NAFDAC confirms methanol contamination
The investigation subsequently produced significant laboratory findings.
NAFDAC said its analysis of 15 samples of the suspected concoctions detected high concentrations of methanol. The agency also reported that 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while additional confirmatory testing was still being conducted to determine the precise methanol concentrations and identify any other toxic substances.
The agency said five affected persons had suffered total blindness and two others partial blindness as of its September 17 update.
NAFDAC also disclosed that 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.
Government moves beyond emergency response
The sealing of the suspected facility is part of a wider response to the tragedy.
The Ondo State Government has also commenced a review of the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, said the government had requested the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to Ajulo, the inquest is expected to establish, on the basis of evidence, the immediate and remote causes of the deaths. He also said anyone found culpable would face appropriate legal action, subject to due process.
How the tragedy unfolded
The first cluster of suspected cases was reported in parts of Odigbo in early September. By September 12, the state government had confirmed 29 deaths from 60 suspected cases and subsequently reported a rise in fatalities and affected persons as investigations expanded.
By September 17, the state government reported 49 deaths and 170 cases, including cases from Irele. NAFDAC’s subsequent update placed the number of affected persons at 182, with 48 deaths confirmed.
The sequence of developments prompted the state government to impose restrictions on the production, sale and distribution of unverified locally prepared alcoholic drinks and to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures.
The tragedy has also prompted calls for stronger regulation and accountability in the production and distribution of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal products.
For now, investigations remain ongoing, while authorities continue to determine the full chain of events surrounding the contaminated beverages, the suspected production points and the distribution network.
The Pivot Online will continue to monitor developments and report verified findings as they emerge.