By Julian Osamoto
The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 24 residents of Odigbo Local Government Area after they consumed a herbal liquid substance.
Eight people died in Araromi Obu, while 16 others died in Odigbo town, with several others receiving treatment in hospitals.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu.
Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, but said the actual cause had not been established.
“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals,” he said.
He assured that a medical team from the state Ministry of Health would conduct further tests and autopsies on the deceased.
“But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death, and we are still waiting for the team from the state ministry of health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause.”
Adegoroye said a preliminary verbal autopsy by the local government health team indicated a possible link between the deaths and consumption of the substances.
As a precaution, the chairman announced a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in Ondo, said in a statement that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the deaths “suspected to be connected with possible poisoning.”
Jimoh disclosed that police personnel, including officers from police medical services, are working with the state ministry of health and Odigbo LGA health authorities to collect relevant information and evidence.
Meanwhile, youths in Odigbo staged a protest at the palace of the traditional ruler, demanding urgent action to prevent further deaths.
The monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, has appealed for calm and assured the youths that efforts were underway to establish the cause of the deaths.
