Death Toll from Suspected Poisonous Herbal Drink in Ondo State Rises to 49 as 170 People Affected

Woman carrying a large basket of traditional Nigerian herbal mixtures and bottled remedies in a busy market

Traditional herbal mixtures and remedies commonly sold in open markets across Nigeria. Authorities in Ondo State have linked a recent outbreak of illnesses and deaths to the consumption of a suspected contaminated herbal drink.

The death toll from a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with approximately 170 people affected, the state government has confirmed.

The incident, first reported in the Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities of Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been recorded.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, confirmed the updated figures, stating that about 170 people have been affected. This includes individuals currently receiving treatment and those who have died.

“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue,” Ajaka said, noting that eight deaths were recorded in the area as of Tuesday night.

The commissioner linked the cases to the consumption of a herbal mixture containing ethanol. He added that the state government has deployed medical and health teams to the affected communities and is intensifying efforts to contain the situation and prevent further spread.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over alleged involvement in producing the herbal liquid suspected to be linked to the deaths.

Police spokesman DSP Abayomi Jimoh said 14 other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.

According to the police, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances containing methanol and is currently assisting with investigations.

The bodies of the deceased are undergoing medical and forensic examination as the probe continues. The police command stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.