24 Feared Dead In Suspected Poisoning Outbreak In Ondo

At least 24 people have reportedly died in a suspected poisoning incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, while several others are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

The deaths, which occurred over the weekend, have triggered panic in affected communities, with authorities investigating reports that the victims may have consumed sachet herbal concoctions suspected to contain a poisonous substance.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, confirmed the incident, saying health officials were working to establish the exact cause of the deaths.

Mr. Ajaka declined to identify the substance allegedly responsible, stressing that further medical assessments were required before any definitive conclusion could be reached.

He said the state government was taking the development seriously and would release more information as investigations progress.

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, also confirmed the incident but said he could not provide further details until medical experts had visited the affected communities and conducted a professional assessment.

As a precaution, the local government has reportedly moved to restrict the consumption and sale of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks being hawked in the affected areas.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid consuming suspicious herbal preparations or unverified sachet products until authorities conclude their investigation and determine what caused the deaths.