The death toll from the incident involving residents of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 27, as the state government has commenced a crackdown on the sale of herbal drinks and other unapproved substances in the affected communities.
PUNCH Metro reports that residents of Araromi Obu and Odigbo town had reportedly fallen ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal drinks, with 24 deaths initially recorded in the two communities.
The Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, told our correspondent on Thursday that the number of deaths had increased to 27.
Adegoroye said eight people had earlier died in Araromi Obu, while 16 deaths were recorded in Odigbo town, adding that the situation had since subsided following the intervention of medical teams from the state and local governments.
He said, “The number of deaths is now 27, but if not for the proactiveness of the medical teams from the state government and the local government, the death toll would have risen further. But we thank God that the situation has subsided.
“Today, the task force has moved around the parks, markets and streets to enforce the ban on the sale of herbal drinks. As I’m talking to you, a number of them have been seized.
“The environmental and health teams of the state government are already in town, carrying out investigations. I’m sure very soon it will die down.”
Meanwhile, the state government has warned residents against consuming unapproved substances, herbal drinks, concoctions and other products not certified safe for human consumption.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday following the incident.
According to the statement, the government urged residents to exercise “utmost caution” and desist from patronising or consuming substances of doubtful origin.
It said, “The government also strongly cautions sellers, producers and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately desist from such practices, as the production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
“The government further cautions citizens, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised use or consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
“Residents are advised to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets, and to seek professional medical advice rather than resorting to unverified remedies or substances.”
The government said investigations were ongoing to establish the actual cause of the deaths, assuring residents that relevant agencies were working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The statement also commended the Odigbo LGA chairman for his prompt intervention and support for efforts to protect residents.
It urged residents to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
The government stressed that protecting lives and promoting a safe and healthy society remained a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all residents.