At least 24 people have died in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming a herbal liquid substance, triggering mourning, tension and an investigation by state health authorities and the police.
Eight of the deaths were reported in Araromi-Obu, while another 16 occurred in Odigbo town, according to the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye. Several other residents who consumed the substance are reportedly receiving treatment in hospitals.
The incident occurred on Saturday but became more widely known after some of those affected reportedly lost consciousness before dying at different locations. A community source said some victims died while asleep, while others reportedly died after returning home. However, the source stressed that authorities had yet to establish whether the substance directly caused the deaths.
Adegoroye confirmed the 24 fatalities but cautioned against drawing a final conclusion on the cause. He said the local government was awaiting medical tests by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. A preliminary verbal autopsy by local health officials had suggested a possible connection with consumption of the substances, but further examinations are required to establish the cause.
As a precaution, the local government has banned the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected areas pending the outcome of the investigation. The move is intended to prevent further exposure while authorities determine what residents consumed and whether it played a role in the deaths.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed that the state government had begun investigating the incident. He said health officials would conduct further assessments in the affected communities before providing a definitive account of what happened.
The deaths have also triggered public anger in Odigbo, where some youths staged a mini protest and marched to the palace of the traditional ruler, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, demanding explanations and urgent action. The monarch appealed for calm and assured the protesters that efforts were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Ondo State Police Command has joined the investigation, with officers from Police Medical Services working alongside the Ministry of Health and local government health officials. Police said medical and toxicological examinations were being conducted to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.
Police Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh urged residents not to spread unverified claims or prematurely blame a particular substance. The Command said laboratory analysis would help establish both the exact number of casualties and the cause of death, while Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu assured residents that anyone found responsible would face appropriate action.
Authorities have meanwhile advised residents to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious herbal preparations and locally brewed alcoholic drinks until the investigation is concluded. The incident remains under investigation, with officials expected to provide further details once medical and laboratory findings are available.
