Ondo ‘Monkey Tail’ Tragedy: Death Toll Rises Above 30 as 50 Receive Treatment
Korede Abdullah 
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa
LAGOS, Nigeria – The death toll from the suspected consumption of a locally produced alcoholic mixture popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to more than 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, disclosed the latest figures on Thursday, days after reports that 24 people had died under mysterious circumstances allegedly linked to the drink.
“As of now, the death toll is over 30. We have not confirmed the source of death,” Adegoroye said.
Adegoroye said the council had directed families not to bury the deceased until medical examinations were completed.
He added that the council had applied to the court for a coroner’s inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to him, samples of the suspected drink, alongside blood and urine samples collected from survivors, were being analysed.
He said toxicological tests and autopsies would also be conducted to determine the cause of the fatalities.
The council chairman disclosed that N2 million had been released for emergency medical response, while additional support was being sought.
The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, described the deaths as alarming and called for increased public awareness, particularly among young people, about the risks associated with unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was working with health authorities and the local government to determine what caused the fatalities.
He said officers from Police Medical Services were assisting with evidence collection as medical and toxicological examinations continued.
Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that anyone found responsible would face justice.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
