14th August, 2026 | News

Ondo Toxic Exposure: 60 Suspected Cases Identified, 30 Deaths Recorded

The Ondo State Government has disclosed that 60 suspected cases have been identified following a mysterious illness linked to suspected toxic alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area, with 30 deaths recorded as investigations into the cause continue.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, said 29 deaths had been officially captured at the time of his briefing in Akure, while reports indicated that the death toll had risen to 30. More than 50 people have also reportedly been hospitalised.

The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele and Orita Odigbo in Odigbo Ward, as well as Araromi-Obu, while another suspected case was reported in Oniparaga.

According to the commissioner, most of the suspected victims are males between the ages of 16 and 55. Reported symptoms include headache, general body weakness and pains, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some patients experiencing rapid deterioration.

Ajaka, however, cautioned against concluding that the suspected alcoholic or herbal substances were responsible for the deaths, stressing that laboratory confirmation is still pending.

The state government has collected 36 biological samples, including blood and urine specimens, for laboratory analysis. Samples of suspected alcoholic substances recovered from affected communities have also been secured for toxicological testing in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The government has activated an emergency response involving health officials, local government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies and regulatory bodies. Medical and investigative teams have been deployed to conduct active case-finding, epidemiological investigations, treatment, referrals and verbal autopsies.

Authorities have also ordered the closure of suspected alcohol outlets linked to the incident, while security agencies are investigating individuals suspected of producing or distributing the substances. Several suspects have reportedly been taken into custody.

The commissioner warned that anyone found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed poisonous substances would face legal consequences.

As a precaution, the Odigbo Local Government authorities have imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages across the council area.

Residents have been urged to report suspicious alcoholic products to the appropriate authorities. Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after consuming an alcoholic substance has also been advised to seek medical attention immediately rather than attempting self-treatment or relying on unverified remedies.

Ajaka further appealed to residents, community leaders and families to report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths promptly to health authorities.

He also urged the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unverified information, photographs or identities of alleged victims and suspects while investigations remain ongoing.

The commissioner said the government is working with national and international partners to identify the suspected toxic agent, protect affected residents and prevent further deaths, stressing that laboratory confirmation of the specific cause remains essential to the investigation.