Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka
Ondo State Government has confirmed 29 persons dead following their consumption of a suspected toxic mixture prepared with the locally brewed alcoholic drink popularly called ogogoro in the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Altogether, there are 60 cases from the incident, with the provisional case fatality ratio standing at 48.3 percent, three persons still hospitalised, while 27 others are undergoing medical observation, according to the Health Commissioner, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka.
The Commissioner, who gave this fresh update on the tragedy at a press briefing in Akure the state capital, explained that 95 percent of the victims were males aged between 16 and 55, and were mainly from Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Ajaka said that the victims, who reportedly fell ill immediately after consuming the killer drink, went down with various symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual disturbance, difficulty in breathing and altered consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly.
His words, “The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths.”
Ajaka said 36 blood and urine samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of suspected alcoholic substances had also been submitted for toxicological investigations.
He said his mnistry first became aware of the outbreak after reports of sudden deaths in Newtown on September 3, 2026, adding that further investigations uncovered additional deaths in neighbouring communities.
According to him, a second cluster was subsequently identified in Araromi Obu, where eight people reportedly died after consuming an alcoholic substance at a naming ceremony.
Stressing that laboratory confirmation is still pending, he said the pattern of illness and the history of exposure had raised a strong epidemiological suspicion of poisoning linked to a toxic alcoholic substance.
His words, “We are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of deaths. Therefore, all cases remain classified as suspected cases until the specific toxic agent responsible is identified,”
Ajaka said the State Rapid Response Team had collected 36 biological specimens, including blood and urine samples, from affected persons.
Samples of suspected alcoholic substances recovered from the communities have also been secured and submitted for toxicological analysis.
The investigations are being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He said the laboratory findings would help determine the specific toxic agent involved and guide further public health action.
According to him, an investigation is being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, with several suspects taken into custody.
He announced that the state government had imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area..
Ajaka urged residents to avoid alcoholic products from unlicensed sources and immediately seek medical attention if they develop blurred vision, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.
He also appealed to residents and community leaders to report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths promptly to health authorities.
The commissioner assured the public that the government is working with national and international partners to identify the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of lives..
Meanwhile, the State Government has activated an emergency response involving the Ministry of Health, the affected local government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies and regulatory bodies.
Also, Health officials have been deployed to the affected communities for active and retrospective case finding, epidemiological investigations, clinical management, referral of patients, community sensitisation and risk communication.
Security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, are collaborating on the investigation.
Besides, authorities have moved to close suspected alcoholic outlets linked to the outbreak.
Also, several suspects allegedly linked to the distribution of the suspected substances have reportedly been taken into custody.
The Government has warned that those found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed the substances would face the law, while stressing that the investigations would follow due process.
It also warned residents of the affected communities against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or relying on traditional remedies and unverified medications.
The commissioner said the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMED) is fully engaged and prepared to receive affected patients.
He appealed to families and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
Besides, he urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about alleged victims, suspects or the source of the outbreak.
He also appealed to journalists to distinguish between confirmed facts, suspected findings and issues that remain under investigation.
Ajaka said the government would continue working with national and international partners to identify the toxic agent, protect exposed persons, provide treatment and prevent further deaths.
He assured residents that findings from the ongoing investigation would be communicated to the public as soon as they become available.
