The death toll from a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49. The number of affected persons has climbed to about 170. Health authorities confirmed the figures on Wednesday. The crisis has spread to Irele Local Government Area, where 19 deaths have been recorded. The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the consumption of ethanol was responsible.
Nigeria has a long history of mass poisoning from unregulated alcohol and herbal concoctions. In 2015, no fewer than 60 people died in Rivers State after consuming locally brewed gin. In 2020, similar incidents were reported in Kano and Jigawa. Each time, the response follows the same pattern: temporary bans, arrests, promises of investigation, then a quiet return to business as usual. The regulatory gap remains.
The affected communities include Araromi-Obu, Odigbo, Orita Odigbo, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga. Dr Ajaka said the situation in Irele is now the most serious. “About 14 people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday’s night,” he said. The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, known as “Meko,” who is suspected to have produced the herbal liquid. Fourteen other persons were arrested for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations are ongoing. Bodies are undergoing forensic examinations. The state government has intensified efforts to contain the crisis. Medical teams are in Irele.
The regulatory problem is structural. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control regulates packaged products. It does not inspect every batch of home-brewed alcohol sold in open markets. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria sets standards. It does not enforce them at the village level. The informal alcohol market operates beyond the reach of both agencies.
Winners: Licensed alcohol producers and importers, who may see a short-term bump as consumers shift to regulated brands. Security agencies, which gain arrest statistics. The Ondo State Government, which demonstrates a response. Losers: Families of the 49 deceased. Local brewers and sellers, who lose income under the ban. Consumers, who face higher prices if supply tightens. The 15 arrested suspects, who face prosecution. The community, which bears the stigma. Health workers in Irele, who face a surge of patients.
Bottom Line: Forty-nine deaths and a spreading crisis. The regulation gap that caused them remains open. Until the informal alcohol market is brought under enforceable standards, Ondo will not be the last.