Ondo Herbal-Drink Death Toll Rises As Government Begins Crackdown

The death toll from suspected poisonous herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen, with officials now moving against the sale of unapproved drinks and concoctions in affected communities.

The incident involves residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town in Odigbo Local Government Area. NaijaTrend earlier reported the first 24 deaths here.

Punch reported that Odigbo council chairman Taiwo Adegoroye put the latest figure at 27 deaths and said health teams had helped stop the toll from rising further. He said a task force had begun moving through parks, markets and streets to enforce a ban on the sale of herbal drinks.

Daily Trust reported a higher toll, saying the number had risen to more than 30, with about 50 people receiving treatment in hospitals. Because the two reports give different figures, the confirmed range should be treated carefully until the state gives a final medical update.

Adegoroye said families had been asked not to bury victims until medical examinations were completed. Daily Trust also reported that the council had gone to court to seek a coroner’s inquest, while laboratory tests, toxicology checks and autopsies were being carried out.

The state government warned residents against consuming unapproved herbal drinks, alcoholic mixtures and substances not certified safe for human consumption. It also urged sellers and producers of uncertified substances to stop immediately, saying investigations were still underway to establish the actual cause of the deaths.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust