The death toll from a suspected mass poisoning linked to locally brewed alcohol in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen past 27, with dozens more hospitalised.
Toxic Concoctions Suspected
The deaths, first reported on September 5 in Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita and Araromi-Obu, have been linked to unregulated local drinks known as “jeji” or “ere.”
Odigbo LGA Chairman Taiwo Adegoroye said preliminary toxicology results pointed to toxic alcohol as the cause.
“Those people who died consumed toxic alcohol,” he said, confirming a ban on the sale and street consumption of locally made alcohol in the area.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said officials have ruled out viral or bacterial infection but have yet to confirm the exact cause of death, with toxicology tests still ongoing.
Police say they are working with health authorities and have urged residents to avoid spreading unverified casualty figures.
