A total of 24 people have reportedly died in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu, two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, after consuming a herbal mixture.
The Network gathered that several others who drank the lethal concoction are battling for their lives in various hospitals.
It was gathered that the sad incident occurred in the communities on Saturday.
It was learnt that eight people died in Araromi Obu and 16 at Odigbo after consuming the concoction.
A group of youths who are enraged by the deaths of their loved ones took to the streets to call the attention of the government to the desperate situation.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday told journalists that the state government had commenced investigations into the curious development especially to ascertain the cause of the deaths.
Ajaka said, “We are aware of the incident and investigations are ongoing to determine what actually happened. We are taking the matter seriously and will provide further information as soon as the investigation gives us a clearer picture.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adeji, said that preliminary investigations revealed possible link between the deaths and the consumption of locally distilled alcoholic beverages.
Speaking also, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, said the council was also waiting for the outcome of the investigations into the incident.
He said the council had embarked on the precautionary measure of placing a ban on the drinking of such herbal concoctions until the outcome of the investigations.
“We have taken precautionary measures in the affected communities. We are restricting the consumption and sale of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks pending the outcome of the investigation.”
