At least 48 people died and about 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected to contain methanol, officials said on Thursday. The outbreak was reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas of Ondo state, where a total of 182 people are believed to have been affected.
Banji Ajaka, the state’s commissioner for health, said that patients are being treated in hospitals and described the rapid progression of symptoms. One 32‑year‑old victim, Sola Adebayo, told TVC News from a hospital bed that after taking a couple of shots he could not see the next day. Ajaka explained that depending on the quantity consumed, the kidneys can fail, vision can be lost, and brain damage can occur.
Ondo police arrested 15 people, including one who is allegedly involved in producing the contaminated substance and is assisting investigations. Local residents suspect that a popular herbal drink known as “Monkey Tail,” which has high alcohol content, was mixed with methanol, leading to the fatalities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, citing their accessibility to children and young people. The first death was reported nearly two weeks ago, and the situation remains under investigation.
