Ondo police probe mysterious deaths in Odigbo, warn against fake news

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the reported deaths of residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area amid suspicion of poisoning.

The deaths were reported in Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, with the police saying the number of deaths and the cause of the fatalities would be established through medical and toxicological examinations.

The command, in a statement issued Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said its personnel, including officers from Police Medical Services, were working with officials of the state Ministry of Health and the Odigbo Local Government health authorities to gather evidence.

Jimoh said, “The command, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government and relevant health authorities, has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incidents with a view to determining the actual cause of the reported deaths.”

He cautioned residents against linking the deaths to any particular substance or spreading unverified information while laboratory analyses and other aspects of the investigation were ongoing.

The police also urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, while warning the public against consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, assured the public that the command would unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.

The police said they would continue to work with the state government and other relevant agencies and provide updates when credible findings from the investigation become available.