The death toll linked to the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people reportedly affected.
The health crisis, which began in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele LGA, where eight deaths have been reported.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said those affected include people who have been admitted to hospitals as well as those who died.
He attributed the crisis to the consumption of ethanol, while investigations continue into the exact substance involved.
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Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over suspected production of the herbal liquid. Fourteen other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.
Police said investigations and medical examinations are ongoing, while the bodies of the deceased are undergoing forensic procedures.
Authorities have deployed medical and security teams to affected communities as efforts continue to contain the situation.
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