Ondo death toll rises to 27 as govt raids herbal drink sellers

By Boye Oyeyemi

Not less than 27 people have reportedly died after consuming suspected herbal drinks and other substances in parts of Ondo State, as the state government steps up efforts to prevent further deaths.

The affected communities, Araromi Obu and Odigbo town in Odigbo Local Government Area, recorded the deaths after residents reportedly fell ill following the consumption of substances suspected to be herbal concoctions.

The Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, disclosed the latest figure on Thursday, saying eight deaths were recorded in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo before the toll increased to 27.

Adegoroye said the situation had begun to stabilise following the intervention of medical teams deployed by the state and local governments to the affected areas.

He added that enforcement officers had commenced operations across markets, motor parks and streets, resulting in the seizure of some herbal drinks and other suspected products.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government had warned residents against consuming medicines, herbal preparations, concoctions and other products whose safety had not been established.

Ajanaku said producers, sellers and distributors of uncertified substances must stop their activities, warning that anyone found violating the directive could face sanctions under the law.

The government said investigations by relevant health and environmental agencies were ongoing to determine what caused the deaths, urging residents to remain calm, avoid unverified information and report suspicious sales or distribution of potentially dangerous substances.