24 reported dead in suspected poisoning across Ondo communities

By Boye Oyeyemi

At least 24 people have reportedly died under mysterious circumstances following a suspected poisoning incident in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Several others are said to be receiving treatment in hospitals after the incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend and has caused panic among residents of the affected communities.

The deaths were reported in Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo, prompting health authorities to begin investigations to determine the cause of the fatalities.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, saying the state government was investigating the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

However, Ajaka declined to identify the substance allegedly responsible for the deaths, stressing that further medical assessments were needed before any conclusion could be reached.

He said the government was taking the incident seriously and would provide additional information when the investigation establishes the cause of the deaths.

Similarly, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the incident but said he could not provide further details until medical experts had visited the affected communities and conducted a professional assessment.

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, the council reportedly moved to restrict the sale and consumption of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks being hawked in the affected areas pending the outcome of the investigation.