8 More Deaths as Toxic Alcohol Crisis Reaches Irele — Ondo Govt

The Ondo State Government says the health crisis linked to suspected toxic alcoholic substances has now spread to Irele Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday.

Ajaka said eight people have died in Irele, bringing the total number of people affected across all impacted areas to approximately 170. "As we are now, Irele Local Government Area is where we have a serious issue now. Our people are there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday's night. So, all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died," he said.

 Ajaka had earlier confirmed 29 deaths in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area during a previous news conference. He said many other affected residents remain in hospital receiving treatment following consumption of the suspected toxic alcoholic substances.

The commissioner reiterated that ethanol consumption is responsible for the ongoing health crisis, adding that the government is taking proactive measures to prevent it from spreading to other local government areas across the state.

Ajaka disclosed that medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, have been deployed to affected communities, with response teams also dispatched to Irele to assess the situation and provide necessary medical interventions. "We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue. Our teams are already in Irele as I am talking to you now," he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming substances suspected to be harmful to their health, assuring that government would continue its efforts to contain the crisis and prevent further deaths.

The state government has also banned the sale of unverified alcoholic drinks across Ondo State.