The Ondo State Government has warned residents against consuming unapproved substances, herbal drinks, concoctions and other products not certified as safe for human consumption following a recent incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, which reportedly resulted in loss of lives.
The government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, on Thursday, urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution and desist from patronising or consuming substances of doubtful origin.
“The Government urges members of the public to exercise utmost caution and desist from patronising or consuming substances of doubtful origin, stressing that the safety, health and wellbeing of the people remain key priorities of the present administration,” the statement reads.
The government also cautioned sellers, producers and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately desist from such practices, stating that production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
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The statement further warned citizens, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised use or consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death, urging residents to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets.
On the Odigbo incident, the government said investigations were ongoing to determine the actual cause of the deaths, appealing to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
“The government is currently investigating the Odigbo incident to establish the actual cause of the deaths. Assuring the people of Ondo State that relevant government agencies are working diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The commissioner commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegboye, for his intervention following the incident while assuring residents that the state government is taking necessary measures to safeguard public health and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“The Government will continue to take appropriate measures, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, to protect the health and safety of citizens,” the statement added.
The government also urged residents to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
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