At least 170 people have been affected by a suspected toxic herbal concoction in Ondo State, with the death toll rising to 49.
The latest fatalities were recorded in Irele Local Government Area, where eight people reportedly died after consuming the substance.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed the development on Wednesday, stating that the government had deployed medical teams to the affected area.
According to the commissioner, Irele has now become the major focus of the state’s emergency response.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Many people have died. About eight people had been recorded dead as of last night,” Ajaka said.
He explained that the total number of affected persons includes those admitted to hospitals as well as those who have died.
Ajaka assured residents that the state government was responding swiftly by sending medical and health teams to affected communities to prevent further casualties.
The commissioner also linked the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by the victims.
The outbreak was initially reported in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area. The number of deaths in those communities had earlier risen from 24 to 29 before the latest increase to 49.
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