Herbal Drinks: Ondo Death Toll Rises To 27 As Government Begins Crackdown

The death toll from the suspected consumption of herbal drinks and other unapproved substances in parts of Ondo State has risen to 27, as the state government has commenced a crackdown on the sale and distribution of uncertified products in the affected communities.

The incident reportedly affected residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town in Odigbo Local Government Area, where several people became ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal drinks.

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, disclosed on Thursday that the number of deaths had increased from the previously reported 24 to 27.

According to him, eight deaths were initially recorded in Araromi Obu, while 16 people died in Odigbo town before the latest update.

Adegoroye, however, said the situation had subsided following the intervention of medical teams deployed by the state and local governments.

He said, “The number of deaths is now 27, but if not for the proactiveness of the medical teams from the state government and the local government, the death toll would have risen further. But we thank God that the situation has subsided.”

The council chairman disclosed that enforcement teams had commenced operations across the affected communities, particularly at motor parks, markets and streets, to prevent further sales of the suspected products.

He added, “Today, the task force has moved around the parks, markets and streets to enforce the ban on the sale of herbal drinks. As I’m talking to you, a number of them have been seized.”

Adegoroye also said environmental and health officials from the Ondo State Government had arrived in the affected communities to investigate the incident and determine what may have caused the deaths.

He said, “The environmental and health teams of the state government are already in town, carrying out investigations. I’m sure very soon it will die down.”

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has warned residents against consuming unapproved herbal drinks, concoctions, medicines and other substances whose safety has not been established by relevant regulatory authorities.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday following the incident.

The government urged residents to exercise utmost caution and avoid patronising or consuming products of doubtful origin.

It also warned producers, sellers and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately stop such activities, stressing that the production, sale and distribution of unapproved products could pose serious risks to public health.

According to the government, those found violating relevant regulations could face sanctions in accordance with existing laws.

The government further cautioned residents, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.

It advised residents to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets and to seek professional medical advice rather than relying on unverified remedies.

The government said investigations were ongoing to establish the actual cause of the deaths, adding that relevant agencies were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary panic in the affected communities.

The state government also commended the Odigbo Local Government chairman for his prompt intervention and support for the medical and other emergency response efforts.

Residents were urged to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.

The government stressed that protecting lives and maintaining a safe and healthy environment remained a collective responsibility, requiring the cooperation of residents, community leaders and relevant government agencies.