No fewer than 24 people have reportedly died in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, both in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, after allegedly consuming a herbal concoction.
The incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has caused tension in the two communities, with several other suspected victims said to be receiving treatment in hospitals.
The development also sparked a protest by youths in the affected communities on Wednesday, as they expressed concern over the deaths and called for urgent action 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 determine 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 did not disclose the specific substance suspected to have caused the deaths, stressing the need for further medical assessments and laboratory examinations before any 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 providing further details on the incident.
Adegoroye 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 reported deaths occurred in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, while several other suspected victims were said to have been hospitalised.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of unregulated herbal concoctions and other products sold in sachets, particularly in communities where such products are commonly consumed.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities have been urged to avoid consuming suspicious herbal concoctions and other unverified sachet products pending the conclusion of the investigation.
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