Ondo govt probes death of 24 persons from suspected poisoning
by Ochogwu Sunday · Daily PostThe Ondo State Government has launched an investigation into the deaths of over 24 persons in the Odigbo Local Government Area due to suspected poisoning from locally brewed alcoholic substance.
The deaths which occurred over the weekend in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, have thrown residents into mourning.
Investigation revealed that over 24 people, mostly youths, died in the two communities from suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks.
Several other victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, with medical personnel working to stabilise them.
Recommended
2027 budget: Ministries begin presentations in Kaduna
UN agency seeks zero tolerance for gender-based violence in schools, communities
North-West states raise alarm over substandard private health institutions
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with NAN, saying government had launched urgent and comprehensive investigation.
“We’re right now in the field with officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, World Health Organisation, WHO and other relevant agencies.
“We want to conduct a thorough investigation to know the cause. From our preliminary report, it is possibly an ingestion of alcoholic substance.
“I cannot give the exact figure of the deaths now. Some of the deaths were buried immediately. Some are in the mortuary, while some of the victims are still on admission in hospitals.
“The incident affected Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities,” the commissioner said.
Ajaka cautioned against speculations, stressing that it would be premature to attribute the deaths to any particular substance until laboratory analyses and medical investigations were concluded.
You may like
Benue govt condemns communal clash, deploys troops, calls for lasting peace
2027: Sokoto CP warns political parties against violence, illegal conduct
Students abduction: FUTO VC visits Imo CP, seeks security beef up within campus