By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Ondo State Government has intensified its public health warning against the consumption and distribution of uncertified herbal concoctions and other unapproved substances following the deaths of 24 residents in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government said residents must avoid products whose safety for human consumption has not been established, stressing that the health and wellbeing of citizens remained a priority of the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku.
Ajanaku urged residents to exercise caution and stay away from substances of doubtful origin, particularly products being sold without appropriate certification or regulatory approval.
“The safety, health and wellbeing of the people remain key priorities of the present administration,” the commissioner said.
The government also issued a warning to individuals involved in the production, sale and distribution of uncertified substances, directing them to immediately discontinue the activities.
“The production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law,” Ajanaku said.
The development comes after 24 people were reported dead in Odigbo LGA following the consumption of a herbal liquid substance. The affected communities include Araromi-Obu and Odigbo town, while other people who reportedly consumed the substance have been hospitalised.
However, the state government has stressed that it has not established that the substance was responsible for the deaths.
Ajanaku said the government was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what actually caused the fatalities.
“The Government is currently investigating the Odigbo incident to establish the actual cause of the deaths,” he said.
He added that relevant government agencies were “working diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The government further warned residents, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
It advised residents to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets and to seek professional medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.
The government also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, the state commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt intervention and support during the incident.
Ajanaku assured residents that the government was taking necessary steps to protect public health and prevent a recurrence.
“The Government will continue to take appropriate measures, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, to protect the health and safety of citizens,” he said.
He also called on residents to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
According to the commissioner, protecting lives and building a safe and healthy society required the cooperation of all residents.
Leave a Reply