At least 24 people have died in two communities in Ondo State’s Odigbo Local Government Area after reportedly consuming a herbal liquid substance, triggering mourning and a health investigation in the affected communities.
24 Deaths Confirmed in Two Ondo Communities
The deaths were recorded in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, with eight people reportedly dying in Araromi Obu and another 16 in Odigbo town.
The incident, which was said to have occurred on Saturday, has left several other residents hospitalised after they reportedly consumed the substance.
A source in the area said some of those who consumed the substance later became unconscious before dying, while others were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
However, authorities have cautioned against concluding that the substance caused the deaths until medical examinations establish the actual cause.
Odigbo Chairman Confirms 24 Deaths
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed that 24 people had died but said the exact cause of death had not yet been established.
“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town and many are still on admission at hospitals,” Adegoroye said.
He said the local government was waiting for a medical team from the Ondo State Ministry of Health to carry out further examinations on the deceased and determine what caused the deaths.
According to the chairman, a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team indicated a possible link between the reported deaths and consumption of the substances.
He stressed, however, that the actual cause could not yet be confirmed.
Ondo Govt Begins Investigation
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
Ajaka did not immediately identify the specific substance suspected to be involved. He said medical and health officials would conduct further assessments in the affected communities.
“The government is taking the matter seriously and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the commissioner said.
The development comes amid continuing concerns over access to safe healthcare and effective public-health responses in Nigeria. The Bureau Journal recently reported on Federal Government plans to establish medical simulation centres across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare training and capacity.
Sale of Locally Brewed Alcoholic Drinks Banned
As a precautionary measure, Adegoroye said he had ordered a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area.
The measure is intended to prevent further consumption of substances that could potentially be linked to the incident while health authorities work to establish what happened.
The authorities’ approach also underscores the importance of proper medical assessment before conclusions are drawn in suspected poisoning or contamination cases. The Bureau Journal previously reported on concerns over primary healthcare delivery and medical documentation at health centres in Kano.
Youths Protest, Demand Answers
The deaths have triggered anger and concern among residents of Odigbo, with some youths staging a mini protest and proceeding to the palace of the town’s traditional ruler.
The youths demanded explanations over the deaths and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
Addressing them, the monarch of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed for calm and assured the youths that efforts were being made to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The monarch also pledged that steps would be taken towards finding a lasting solution to the situation.
Medical Tests Expected to Establish Cause of Death
For now, officials have confirmed the number of deaths and acknowledged that several other people remain hospitalised, but they have not established a definitive medical link between the reported consumption of the herbal substance and the fatalities.
The outcome of the medical examinations and further assessments by the Ondo State Ministry of Health is therefore expected to determine whether the substance played a role in the deaths.
The Bureau Journal has continued to track public-health developments across Nigeria, including the nationwide pharmacy surveillance measures introduced by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria over concerns about possible infectious disease threats.
Other recent health reports include the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office and the restoration of dialysis services at a major Kano teaching hospital.
Health authorities are expected to provide further information once the ongoing investigation and medical assessments are completed.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments in Odigbo and report any confirmed findings from the Ondo State Ministry of Health.
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