Twenty-four persons have reportedly died while others were hospitalised in Araromi Obu and Odigbo towns in Odigbo Council Area of Ondo State, following suspected food poisoning.
The incident, which occurred last weekend, has triggered anger in the affected communities.
Youths took to the streets to protest the deaths and marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Araromi Obu, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, demanding urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
Eight deaths were recorded in Araromi Obu, while 16 were recorded in Odigbo town.
Sources said the fatalities may be linked to the consumption of poisonous substances suspected to be contained in sachet herbal concoctions.
Some of the deceased reportedly died in their homes, while others died in their sleep.
Addressing the protesters, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Akinrinmade, appealed for calm and assured them that efforts would be made to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide a lasting solution.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adiji, said preliminary findings suggested a possible link between the deaths and the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages.
Adiji specifically mentioned a locally produced drink as well as other herbal and ethanol-based drinks.
He added that laboratory analysis of samples collected was ongoing to establish a direct connection.
In response, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, imposed a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed herbal drinks in the area as a precautionary measure.
Adegoroye said a preliminary verbal autopsy by the council’s health team indicated a possible link between the deaths and the substances.
He warned that anyone found selling or distributing the banned drinks during the restriction period would face arrest and prosecution.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said investigations were underway to determine the actual cause of the deaths.
Ajaka added that government was taking the matter seriously and would provide further details after assessments in the affected communities.
Health authorities have urged residents to avoid consuming suspicious herbal concoctions or unverified sachet products pending the outcome of investigations.
The Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said that the command in collaboration with the government and relevant health authorities, have commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incidents with a view to determining the actual cause of the reported deaths.
Abayomi noted that ” police personnel including Police Medical Services are working closely with officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Health and the Odigbo Local Government health authorities in the collection of relevant information and evidence, while medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted to ascertain the substance, if any, responsible for the fatalities.
He cautioned “members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing.
“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.
Abayomi advised “residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing useful information that may assist the investigation.
” Members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said that “the Command is committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incidents and will take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
“The Command will continue to liaise with the Ondo State Government and relevant agencies and will provide further updates as soon as credible findings emerge.
