Nigeria: Ondo Killer Drink - 49 Dead, 170 Affected - Health Commissioner

What the report says

Ondo State officials in southwestern Nigeria say a suspected mass poisoning linked to unregulated alcohol has now left 49 people dead and about 170 affected, according to a report published by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica. Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the deaths and illnesses were spread across several communities, with Irele Local Government Area emerging as a major concern in the latest update.

Ajaka said state health teams have expanded surveillance and emergency response in the affected areas while investigators try to identify the source of the toxic drink. He said the state is working with agencies including NAFDAC, the NDLEA, the DSS and the NSCDC as part of the probe. The report says officials have warned residents to avoid unregulated alcoholic beverages and herbal mixtures, especially products sold without clear labeling or verified ingredients.

Police also said arrests have been made in connection with the sale and distribution of a local herbal alcoholic drink popularly known as “monkey tail.” Investigators are examining substances believed to contain methanol, which can be highly dangerous if consumed. The broader concern is public health regulation: the incident highlights the risks of illicit or poorly controlled drinks in communities where such products are sold and consumed, and it follows earlier state action to restrict unverified alcoholic drinks after a separate wave of reported deaths and hospitalizations in Odigbo.