With 170 cases reported, the number of suspected alcohol poisoning deaths in several Ondo state villages has increased to 49.

Residents of Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo LGA apparently ingested a herbal beverage, which led to the initial reports of the incident on Saturday, September 5.

Some of those impacted reportedly lost consciousness before passing away in various places.

Following the deaths of thirty individuals in the state, the Ondo government outlawed the sale and distribution of unsubstantiated alcoholic beverages and other narcotics on September 13.

One Oloruntoba Babatunde was then detained by the Ondo police command on suspicion of manufacturing the dangerous alcoholic spirits.

Ondo Commissioner of Health Banji Ajaka told reporters on Wednesday that the incident had been reported in Irele LGA and that the number of casualties had risen.

According to Ajaka, eight individuals passed away in Irele LGA on Tuesday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 49.

According to the Ondo commissioner, the number of casualties has risen to 170, including those who have passed away and those undergoing medical care.

Source