The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reported that 48 people have died and 182 cases have been recorded following the consumption of suspected locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State.
The latest update comes as health authorities investigate a serious poisoning outbreak affecting communities in the Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.
NAFDAC said preliminary laboratory analysis detected high concentrations of toxic methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
Seven victims reported with blindness
According to the agency’s latest update, five victims have reportedly suffered total blindness while two others are partially blind.
Methanol poisoning can cause severe neurological and visual complications and can be fatal when consumed in significant quantities.
The latest findings have strengthened concerns that toxic contamination of locally prepared alcoholic beverages may have contributed to the deaths.
15 people arrested
Authorities have also arrested 15 people in connection with the incident as investigations continue.
The arrests include a person suspected of involvement in the production of substances believed to contain methanol, according to reports citing authorities.
However, arrests do not in themselves establish criminal responsibility, and investigations into the source, production and distribution of the suspected drinks remain ongoing.
Health authorities intensify response
The outbreak has prompted renewed warnings over the consumption of unregulated alcoholic and herbal concoctions.
The affected communities include parts of Odigbo and Irele, where authorities have been working to identify victims, provide medical treatment and establish how the contaminated products entered circulation.
NAFDAC’s findings point to methanol as a major factor under investigation, while authorities continue laboratory testing and other investigative procedures.
The agency’s latest figures — 48 deaths and 182 affected — underline the scale of the public-health emergency and the risks associated with consuming unregulated alcoholic products.