By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Ondo State Government has commenced a review of the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally made herbal and alcoholic products.
The move follows the deaths of 48 people in parts of the state allegedly linked to the consumption of harmful herbal and alcoholic concoctions.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this in Akure on Sunday while responding to concerns over the incident.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said preliminary laboratory tests detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, with five victims reportedly rendered totally blind and two others partially blind.
The agency added that 11 of 15 samples analysed tested positive for Cannabis indica, while confirmatory tests were ongoing to establish the precise methanol concentration and identify other possible toxic substances.
The affected communities are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga. Cases have also been reported in neighbouring Irele Local Government Area.
Ajulo said the state government had requested the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to investigate the deaths and establish their immediate and remote causes.
He added that the regulatory review had commenced before the latest incident following a proposed draft regulation submitted to his office by stakeholders and concerned citizens.
The commissioner warned that anyone found to have violated the law would be prosecuted, stressing that the government’s response was guided by truth, accountability and prevention.
