Tragedy In Ondo: 24 Lives Lost After Using Mysterious Herbal Substance

Following the consumption of a herbal liquid, at least 24 people have been officially declared dead in two communities in Odigbo LGA, Ondo state.

We are aware that some of the victims reportedly lost consciousness before passing away in various places.

Taiwo Adegoroye, chairman of Odigbo LGA, who confirmed the death toll, said the victims had consumed the substance before the incident but noted that the actual cause of death had yet to be 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.

“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.”

The incident is said to have happened in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo town on Saturday, September 5.

According to reports, several other locals who ingested the drug are being treated at different hospitals.

According to Adegoroye, while investigations are ongoing, the local government has prohibited the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages in the impacted area.

He stated that additional medical tests were necessary to confirm the facts, but a preliminary verbal autopsy indicated a potential connection between the deaths and drug use.

The government has started looking into what caused the deaths, according to Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, who also confirmed the incident.

He did not, however, specify the particular substance that was thought to be involved.

The command has started a thorough investigation into the deaths “suspected to be connected with possible poisoning,” according to a statement from Ondo police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh.

According to Jimoh, police officers, including those from police medical services, are collaborating with Odigbo LGA health authorities and the state ministry of health to gather pertinent data and proof.

“At this stage, the Command wishes to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing,” he said.

“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.”

“Members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.”

This is truly heartbreaking. The loss of 24 lives serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with consuming unapproved herbal substances. People must desist from taking any products that have not been approved by NAFDAC, as their safety and efficacy are not guaranteed. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action by enforcing strict laws to curb the sale of these herbal drinks and protect public health. Only through concerted efforts can we prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.