Over 30 Dead, 50 Hospitalised After Consuming Suspected Toxic Herbal Gin

​AKURE — Panic has gripped several communities in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following a devastating outbreak of sudden deaths linked to the consumption of a locally brewed alcoholic herbal mixture.

​While official figures are still being verified, local reports indicate that the death toll has climbed past 30, with more than 50 other victims receiving emergency medical treatment in various health facilities.

​The fatalities and hospitalisations were recorded across multiple settlements, including Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita, and Araromi-Obu. The incident has thrown the affected districts into profound mourning and sparked intense local anxiety.

​Government Action and Investigation

​Following emergency assessments of the affected areas, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, confirmed that a high-powered medical and investigative team had been deployed. Although the exact medical cause of death is yet to be formally established, preliminary clinical findings have successfully ruled out contagious viral and bacterial infections.

​”We have not confirmed the source of death; investigations are still ongoing,” Dr. Ajaka stated during an assessment tour. He noted that health officials have gathered samples of the suspect herbal concoction for comprehensive laboratory analysis. Additionally, blood and urine samples are being taken from survivors to check for toxic agents, alongside statutory post-mortem examinations.

​The Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that security forces and police medical personnel are working closely with the Ministry of Health to track down the source of the lethal brew.

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​Ban on Local Gin and Arrests Made

​In response to the crisis, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, announced immediate, stringent containment measures. The local council has placed an outright ban on the production, distribution, and sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and unverified herbal mixtures across the entire area.

​Security agencies have been directed to strictly enforce the ban, leading to the immediate arrest of some suspected vendors. Furthermore, local hotels, bars, and traditional spots known for dispensing the mixtures have been ordered to halt all operations connected to the products.

​Authorities have also approached the court to secure a coroner’s inquest, while families of the deceased have been strictly instructed to suspend burial arrangements pending the conclusion of autopsies and toxicological evaluations. The council has similarly released emergency funds to bolster the medical response for hospitalized victims.

​Broad Public Safety Warning

​Warning residents across the state, health authorities have urged absolute vigilance against consuming unregulated alcoholic infusions and herbal concoctions whose contents cannot be scientifically verified. The state government warned that individuals found culpable of producing or distributing harmful, uncertified substances will face swift prosecution for manslaughter.

​As investigations widen with the support of relevant health agencies, the public has been advised to stick strictly to sealed, regulated commercial beverages and to report any suspicious brewing or distribution activities to law enforcement.