RismadarVoice Health
September 19, 2026
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has confirmed that 48 people have died and 182 others are critically ill following the consumption of suspected contaminated locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks in Ondo State.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said five affected persons had suffered complete loss of sight, while two others were experiencing partial vision loss.
The outbreak affected several communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.
According to NAFDAC, the incident was first reported in early September after residents began falling ill following consumption of a suspected herbal concoction.
Initial reports recorded 31 deaths, but continued surveillance and investigation subsequently raised the figure to 48 as of September 17.
The agency said 90 affected persons had been treated and discharged, six remained hospitalised, while 31 others were receiving outpatient treatment.
VICTIMS REPORTED HEADACHES, VISION PROBLEMS
NAFDAC said affected persons presented with symptoms including severe headaches, general body weakness and pain, impaired vision, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness.
Some cases deteriorated rapidly, the agency said. Five affected persons later suffered complete loss of sight, while two others experienced partial vision loss.
LAB TESTS DETECT HIGH METHANOL LEVELS
NAFDAC said laboratory examination of 15 unlabelled samples collected during the investigation detected a high concentration of methanol, a toxic form of alcohol capable of causing severe poisoning.
Preliminary chemical screening also detected Cannabis indica in 11 of the samples.
The agency conducted toxicological, microbiological and chemical examinations as part of efforts to identify the substances responsible for the illnesses and deaths.
Acute toxicity tests on laboratory mice resulted in severe illness, with approximately 50 per cent mortality recorded in tests involving six of the 15 samples, according to NAFDAC.
The agency said the laboratory findings, alongside the illnesses and deaths recorded among affected residents, indicated that the products posed a serious public health risk.
However, NAFDAC stressed that the findings remained preliminary, with further tests underway to establish the precise concentration of methanol and determine whether other toxic substances were present.
15 ARRESTED AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, distribution and sale of the drinks.
The agency said investigations and surveillance were continuing and cautioned that the casualty figures could change as authorities verify additional cases.
Adeyeye expressed condolences to the families of those who died and said investigations would continue until the substances responsible for the outbreak were conclusively established.
