By Opeyemi Adelakun
The death toll linked to the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, while about 170 people have reportedly been affected by the health crisis.
The outbreak, initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now extended to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths were recorded.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, saying the situation in Irele had become a major concern for health authorities.
“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.
He added that the total number of affected persons, including those admitted and those who died, had risen to about 170.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from the 24 deaths initially recorded in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, had earlier said eight people died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others died in Odigbo.
The number subsequently rose to 27 before reaching 49 as of Wednesday.
Adegoroye said the situation had subsided in the initially affected communities following interventions by medical teams from the state and local governments.
Ajaka said the health crisis was linked to the consumption of ethanol by victims and disclosed that the state government had intensified efforts to prevent further spread.
“We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear reports of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” the commissioner said.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over alleged involvement in the production of a herbal liquid suspected to be connected with the deaths.
Fourteen other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The command said the situation had been contained following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions.
According to the police, Babatunde was suspected of producing substances suspected to contain methanol and was assisting investigators.
The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.
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