Ondo Investigates Odigbo Deaths, Warns Against Uncertified Herbal Concoctions

The Ondo State Government has launched an investigation into the deaths recently reported in Odigbo Local Government Area while warning residents against consuming uncertified herbal drinks, concoctions and other unapproved substances.

The government said the actual cause of the deaths had yet to be established and urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government was working with relevant agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Government is currently investigating the Odigbo incident to establish the actual cause of the deaths,” the statement said.

The government urged residents to exercise caution and desist from patronising or consuming substances of doubtful origin, stressing that public health and safety remained priorities of the administration.

It also warned producers, sellers and distributors of uncertified substances to stop the practice, noting that the production and distribution of unapproved products could pose serious risks to public health and attract sanctions under the law.

The government particularly cautioned youths against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.

Residents were advised to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised outlets and seek professional medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.

The government commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt intervention following the incident.

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 said it would continue to take measures to protect residents and prevent a recurrence of incidents linked to unsafe or uncertified substances.