A poisonous herbal drink linked to methanol has left 49 dead and 170 ill in Ondo State, sparking arrests and urgent health interventions across three local districts.
In recent weeks, a lethal concoction marketed as a herbal drink has devastated communities in Ondo State. Health officials report a grim toll of 49 deaths and more than 170 individuals who have required hospital care after consuming the unknown liquid.
The outbreak began in the villages of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo, both situated within the Odigbo Local Government Area, before spreading to the neighboring Irele district.
The affected populations span three local government areas, and the pattern of illness suggests a common source linked to the ingestion of ethanol-based substances that may have been adulterated with methanol.
Victims have presented with severe neurological symptoms, visual impairment, and in many cases, rapid deterioration leading to death.
Fatalities and scale of the outbreak
Initial reports from the Odigbo council indicated that 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo had succumbed to the mysterious poisoning.
The local chairman, Taiwo Adegoroye later clarified that eight people died in Araromi-Obu while sixteen more perished in Odigbo town. As the situation evolved, the death count rose to 27 and, by the middle of the week, reached the current figure of 49 confirmed fatalities.
In addition to the confirmed deaths, approximately 170 persons have been documented as either hospitalized or under medical observation for symptoms consistent with methanol toxicity. The demographic most afflicted appears to be young adults, many of whom had consumed the drink as part of a social gathering or believing it to be a health-boosting tonic.
Authorities’ response and investigations
State Commissioner for Health Dr. Banji Ajaka has been vocal about the seriousness of the crisis. In a telephone interview he emphasized that “Irele is where we have a serious issue now. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night.” He added that the total number of affected individuals, including those admitted to hospitals, stands at roughly 170.
Following the rapid escalation, the state government mobilized emergency medical teams to the affected districts. Health workers were dispatched within hours of each new report, setting up treatment centres equipped to manage acute methanol poisoning, which often requires haemodialysis and administration of fomepizole or ethanol as antidotes.
The Ondo State Police Command also intensified its presence in the area. In coordination with local authorities, police officers conducted security sweeps, established checkpoints, and worked to enforce a ban on the sale of unregulated herbal products that had been imposed by the local government.
Legal actions and ongoing forensic work
Police investigations led to the arrest of a man identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde popularly known as “Meko”. He is suspected of producing the toxic liquid that is believed to contain methanol. DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that Babatunde is cooperating with investigators. In addition, fourteen other individuals were detained for allegedly breaching the ban on the distribution of herbal remedies in the affected local government areas.
Authorities have seized samples of the suspect drink for laboratory analysis, and forensic pathologists are conducting post-mortem examinations to confirm the exact cause of death. The police statement highlighted that the situation has been “contained” through sustained security, medical, and investigative measures, while warning residents to avoid unlicensed herbal products and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
