Ogun Govt. probes circumstances around deaths of eight persons after drinking locally made alcohol drink

The Ogun state government on Sunday said it has launched a probe into the death of eight persons after allegedly taking locally made alcoholic drinks in some parts of the State.

No fewer than eight persons have reportedly died while 11 persons are said to be in critical condition after consuming alcohol drinks in Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu local government areas.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

Coker warned residents about the risks associated with consuming locally brewed alcoholic drinks and other products not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

According to her, the incidents reportedly occurred between July 18 and 20, 2023 in two local government areas, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu.

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She added that the Ministry of Health had initiated an investigation into the source and nature of the products.

The statement read, “It is of utmost importance to only consume products that have been officially approved and certified by NAFDAC.

“The unauthorised production and distribution of alcoholic beverages and other consumable items pose significant health risks as they are often manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions, making them potential breeding grounds for harmful substances and toxins.

“Such substances can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, fatal outcomes, as evidenced by the recent incidents in Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas.

“We hereby urge the public to report any suspicious locally brewed alcoholic drink to the appropriate authorities or NAFDAC.”

The governor’s aide added that residents should also report any case of illness or death after consumption of similar products including herbal concoctions to the nearest government hospital.