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The death toll from the consumption of suspected poisoning from locally brewed alcoholic substance in some communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, Thefrontrank reports.
Many residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo communities had reportedly fallen ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal drinks.
Thefrontrank investigation revealed that not less than five more victims have died after the initial 24 deaths recorded in the two communities, with many residents still receiving treatment in hospitals.
The incident, which affected mostly youths, has thrown residents of the communities into mourning, with many expressing concern.
As part of the remedial steps, the state government has stopped the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks and other suspected concoctions in the affected areas.
Health officials are currently investigating the cause of the incident.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government had yet to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
“We want to conduct a thorough investigation to know the cause. From our preliminary report, it is allegedly to be injection of alcoholic substance.
“We have not confirmed the source of death. Investigations are still ongoing,” the commissioner stated.
He said that samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were also being obtained from patients.
The commissioner added that post-mortem examinations would be conducted to assist investigators in determining the cause of the deaths.
Ajaka disclosed that the government was still collating and verifying the casualty figure from the affected communities and hospitals, and the figure would be released after the completion of the verification process.
He warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, stating that the health risks were not limited to the two communities.
The commissioner stated that anyone found producing or distributing substances suspected to be harmful would face prosecution.
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