ONDO BANS UNVERIFIED ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AFTER 30 DEATHS, 50 HOSPITALISED
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Ondo State Government has banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances across the state following the deaths of about 30 people who allegedly consumed a local herbal alcoholic mixture known as “monkey tail.”
The incident, which occurred in Odigbo Local Government Area, also reportedly left about 50 people hospitalised, prompting the government to take immediate measures to prevent further casualties.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, announced the directive in a statement, saying the measure was aimed at containing the situation and protecting residents from potentially harmful products.
The ban covers alcoholic drinks and other substances sold in sachets, bottles or other forms whose source, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.
Ajanaku said the state Ministry of Health had commenced investigations into the substance suspected to have caused the deaths, adding that scientific officers had been deployed to affected communities to determine the substance involved.
The statement said, “Under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, protect the lives of our people and prevent further casualties.”
The government also cautioned residents against purchasing or consuming alcoholic drinks and other substances whose authenticity and regulatory approval could not be established, particularly products packaged in sachets or bottles without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
It directed traders and distributors to immediately stop purchasing, selling or distributing any product whose source, contents or regulatory status could not be verified.
The government warned that anyone found violating the directive would be prosecuted and face the full weight of the law.
Security agencies across the state were also directed to immediately clamp down on the sale and distribution of illegal and unapproved products.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious products, vendors and distribution activities to the appropriate authorities.
The government said protecting lives and safeguarding public health remained a collective responsibility, urging residents to cooperate with health officials and security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.
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