The 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 substances. The deaths, which occurred over the weekend in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu communities, have thrown residents into mourning. Over 24 persons, 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. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident, saying the government had launched an urgent and comprehensive investigation. “We’re right now in the field with officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, World Health Organisation and other relevant agencies. We want to conduct a thorough investigation to know the cause. From our preliminary report, it is allegedly to be injection of alcoholic substance.”
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.
The winners: none. The losers: the families of the deceased; the residents of Odigbo and Araromi-Obu, who are in mourning; and the Nigerian government, which must address the dangers of unregulated local brews.
Bottom Line: Over 24 people are dead from suspected poisoning. The government is investigating. The question is whether the findings will lead to regulation or the deaths will be forgotten.