No fewer than 24 people have reportedly died in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, both in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the alleged consumption of a herbal concoction.
The reported deaths, which occurred over the weekend, have triggered tension in the affected communities, with several other suspected victims said to be receiving treatment in various hospitals.
The development also sparked protests by youths in the communities on Wednesday, as they expressed concern over the rising number of deaths and called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the state government had commenced investigations to establish the actual 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 commissioner, however, declined to identify the specific substance suspected to have caused the deaths, stressing that medical assessments and laboratory examinations were required before any definitive conclusion could be reached.
Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, said the council was awaiting the outcome of assessments by medical experts before releasing further details.
Adegoroye said the council had taken precautionary measures in the affected communities, including restricting the consumption and sale of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said, “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.”
The deaths reportedly occurred in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, while several other suspected victims have been hospitalised.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of unregulated herbal concoctions and other sachet products commonly consumed in some communities.
Residents have consequently been advised to avoid consuming suspicious herbal preparations and unverified sachet products until the investigation into the incident is concluded.
