At least 49 people have died in Ondo State following the consumption of a suspected toxic alcoholic drink, while about 170 others have reportedly been affected.
The health crisis has affected communities across three local government areas of the state, with Araromi Obu and Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government Area among the areas initially impacted.
The death toll increased as the situation spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight additional deaths were reported.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, stating that health officials were currently dealing with a serious situation in Irele.
According to Ajaka, eight people had died in the council area as of the previous night, bringing the total number of affected persons across the three local government areas to about 170.
He said, “As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue now. Our people were there and many people have died.
“About eight people have been recorded to have died as of yesterday’s night. So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170.”
Ajaka attributed the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by the victims, stressing that the substance was responsible for the reported illnesses and deaths.
