The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected producer of alcoholic concoctions following the deaths recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The development comes after several people died in the area following the consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks and herbal mixtures suspected to have been contaminated.
Suspected Producer Arrested
Police authorities said the suspected producer was arrested as part of investigations into the deaths recorded in Odigbo and surrounding communities.
The arrest followed concerns that some of the drinks consumed by victims may have contained dangerous substances, including methanol.
Police said suspected samples of the products had been recovered and would undergo laboratory and forensic analysis to establish their composition.
More Suspects Arrested
The police also arrested 14 other suspects in connection with the production, sale or consumption of the substances under investigation.
The arrests are part of efforts to establish the source of the drinks and determine whether they were responsible for the deaths.
Authorities have cautioned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions while investigations continue.
The police said the bodies of some of the deceased would also undergo forensic examination to establish the precise cause of death.
Investigation Continues
The incident has generated concern across Ondo State, particularly in communities where locally produced alcoholic drinks are widely consumed.
Police authorities said the investigation would determine the extent of the suspected producer’s involvement and whether other people played a role in distributing the products.
Residents have also been urged to provide useful information to investigators while avoiding the spread of unverified claims about the cause of the deaths.
