Mirian Gom 
ONDO, Nigeria – No fewer than 60 people are still receiving treatment after consuming suspected poisonous herbal drinks in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, has disclosed.
At least 29 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities have died following consumption of the substance, according to reports.
The commissioner disclosed the latest figures at a press conference in Akure, the state capital, on Sunday.
Ajaka said the incident affected six locations: Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities, all in Odigbo LGA.
He said 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55 years.
“There are many victims. At one point, we had up to 60 people on admission at the hospital. We had so many of them on admission, but some people would not even come.”
The commissioner said the situation was particularly serious because some victims reportedly died within hours of consuming the suspected substance.
“Some people died within two hours. At least, most of them died within 24 hours. It is as serious as that.”
According to Ajaka, victims presented with severe clinical symptoms, including intense headaches, sharp body pains, extreme weakness, visual impairment, respiratory distress and loss of consciousness.
Several patients also suffered rapid deterioration of their organs shortly after exposure.
The commissioner said the clinical presentation and epidemiological pattern strongly suggested exposure to a poisonous alcoholic brew.
However, he stressed that laboratory analysis was still ongoing to determine the exact chemical responsible.
He said 36 clinical samples of blood and urine, alongside confiscated beverage samples, had been sent for urgent toxicological examination.
Ajaka warned residents against consuming unverified or unlicensed alcoholic drinks.
He also urged community leaders to immediately report unusual health incidents or sudden deaths in their communities.
The commissioner advised anyone who develops blurred vision, breathing difficulties or confusion after consuming alcohol to seek emergency medical attention at the nearest hospital.
The state health authorities are awaiting laboratory results that could provide further evidence on the substance linked to the deaths and hospitalisations.
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Hope Ajayi 
