Ondo Police Warn Residents Over Suspected Poisoning Deaths In Odigbo

The Ondo State Police Command has warned residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area against consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations following reports of deaths suspected to be linked to possible poisoning.

The warning comes as the Command commences an investigation into reported deaths in Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, where the circumstances surrounding the fatalities remain unclear.

In a statement issued, the police said they were working with the Ondo State Government, the Ministry of Health and health authorities in Odigbo Local Government Area to establish the actual cause of the deaths.

The Command said police personnel, including officers from Police Medical Services, are involved in gathering relevant information and evidence, while medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted to determine whether any substance was responsible for the reported fatalities.

The police urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, particularly claims identifying a specific substance as the cause of the deaths, stressing that laboratory analyses and investigations are still ongoing.

The Command also cautioned residents against consuming unregulated, suspicious or potentially contaminated alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.

It said the actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths would be established through the ongoing investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that the Command would work with relevant authorities to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidents and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.

The police said further updates would be provided when credible findings emerge.