Eight Die in Araromi Obu, 16 in Odigbo as Government Begins Investigation Into Cause
The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 24 people in Odigbo Local Government Area following the reported consumption of a herbal liquid substance.
Eight people reportedly died in Araromi Obu, while 16 others died in Odigbo town after consuming the substance on Saturday.
Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the deaths, saying many other residents who consumed the substance were still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Adegoroye said the actual cause of the deaths had not been established, as the local government was awaiting a medical team from the state Ministry of Health to conduct further tests and autopsies.
He 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 precautionary measure, the chairman said he had ordered a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Ajaka said the government was taking the matter seriously and would provide further details after the investigation.
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, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that efforts were underway to determine the cause of the deaths and find a lasting solution.