The death toll from suspected poisoning in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 27, with the state government launching a crackdown on the sale of herbal drinks and other unapproved substances in the affected communities.
Residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town reportedly became ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal drinks, leading to the deaths of 24 people initially.
However, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed on Thursday that the number of fatalities had increased to 27.
Adegoroye said eight people died in Araromi Obu, while 16 deaths were initially recorded in Odigbo town, adding that the situation had subsided following the intervention of medical teams from the state and local governments.
He said, “The number of deaths is now 27, but if not for the proactiveness of the medical teams from the state government and the local government, the death toll would have risen further. But we thank God that the situation has subsided.”
The council chairman disclosed that a task force had commenced enforcement of the ban on the sale of herbal drinks across parks, markets and streets in the affected areas.
“Today, the task force has moved around the parks, markets and streets to enforce the ban on the sale of herbal drinks. As I’m talking to you, a number of them have been seized,” he said.
He added that environmental and health officials from the state government were conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The environmental and health teams of the state government are already in town, carrying out investigations. I’m sure very soon it will die down,” Adegoroye stated.
Meanwhile, the state government has warned residents against consuming unapproved medicines, herbal drinks, concoctions and other substances not certified safe for human consumption.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, gave the warning in a statement issued on Thursday.
The government urged residents to exercise “utmost caution” and avoid patronising sellers or consuming products of doubtful origin.
It also directed producers, distributors and sellers of uncertified substances to stop the practice, warning that such activities could attract sanctions under the law.
“The production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The government further cautioned residents, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
It advised residents to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised outlets and seek professional medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.
According to the statement, investigations are ongoing to establish the actual cause of the deaths, while relevant agencies are working to determine the substances involved and the circumstances that led to the incident.
The government appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.
It also commended the Odigbo council chairman for his prompt response and urged residents to report suspicious production, sale or distribution of dangerous or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
The government said protecting lives and ensuring a safe and healthy society required the cooperation of all residents.
- Interbank FX turnover jumps by $38.8m - September 11, 2026
- Court orders INEC to recognise, publish NDC’s modified logo - September 11, 2026
- NEPC targets export inclusion with free certificates for Kano PLWDs - September 11, 2026
