The death toll from the toxic “Monkey Tail” local alcoholic outbreak in Ondo State has risen to 49, with approximately 170 people affected or hospitalised.
However, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, stating that the outbreak, initially recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area, had spread to Irele LGA.
The victims reportedly fell ill after consuming “Monkey Tail,” a potent local herbal mixture combined with ogogoro, a traditional palm-wine distillate. Survivors have presented with severe symptoms, including sudden blindness, which medical experts said was consistent with methanol poisoning.
According to the state government, 95 per cent of those affected are males between the ages of 16 and 55, highlighting the high number of men among the casualties.
The poisoning was initially traced to contaminated drinks served at two separate naming ceremonies in communities including New Town, Orita Odigbo and Araromi-Obu.
Ondo Govt Bans Locally Brewed Drinks, Herbal Concoctions
Following the outbreak, the Ondo State Government imposed an immediate ban on the production, sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions within the affected areas.
The government said the measure was aimed at preventing further exposure to the suspected toxic substances and containing the spread of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects in connection with the incident. One of the suspects, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” was identified as the alleged principal manufacturer of the toxic mixture. He is being investigated over allegations that the drinks were intentionally laced with toxic industrial methanol.
Apparently, the health authorities are collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to investigate the outbreak. The agencies are conducting forensic and toxicological tests on blood, urine and seized beverage samples to determine the exact chemical responsible for the poisoning.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid consuming locally brewed alcoholic mixtures until the investigation is concluded.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
