NAFDAC links Ondo drink deaths to methanol after 48 fatalities

NAFDAC has linked the Ondo herbal-drink deaths to high methanol concentration, saying 48 people have died and 182 illness cases had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.

The finding gives a clearer cause for the outbreak in Odigbo Local Government Area, where earlier reports had focused on suspected poisoning and the state ban on unverified alcoholic drinks. NaijaTrend’s earlier report on the state government action is here.

NAFDAC said the affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu recording the highest impact. The agency said 90 people were admitted and later discharged, six remained on admission, and 31 were treated as outpatients.

The agency also reported seven blindness cases, with Punch saying five people were totally blind and two partially blind. Channels TV reported that 11 of 15 analysed samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while Premium Times reported that high methanol concentration was found in drinks consumed by affected residents.

NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said investigations and risk-control measures were continuing with relevant public health authorities. The agency said its officials had visited the affected communities, collected samples and sensitised residents on the dangers of consuming unregistered alcoholic and herbal preparations.

The update raises the public-health risk beyond the earlier death tolls because it ties the illnesses to a laboratory-backed substance finding. It also keeps pressure on state and federal authorities to trace the supply chain of the drinks and remove unsafe products from circulation.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times, Channels TV