THE death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in some communities in Ondo State has risen to 49, with 170 cases recorded in the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident was first reported on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area after residents reportedly consumed a herbal liquid substance.
Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
On September 13, the Ondo State Government banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances following the deaths of 30 people in the state.
Subsequently, the Ondo State Police Command arrested one Oloruntoba Babatunde for allegedly producing the harmful alcoholic substances.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the casualty figure had increased, adding that the incident had now been reported in Irele Local Government Area.
Ajaka said eight people died in Irele LGA on Tuesday, adding that the death toll had now risen to 49.
The Ondo commissioner said the casualty toll had increased to 170, comprising those who had died and persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“As we are now, Irele (LGA) is where we have serious issue now, our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday’s night,” he said.
“So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”
Ajaka said the main cause of the alcohol poisoning was the consumption of ethanol by the victims.
The commissioner said the state government was working to prevent the spread of the cases to other local government areas.
