Ondo Herbal Drink Deaths Reach 27 as Government Takes Action

The number of people who died from taking herbal drinks in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has reached 27. The state government is now cracking down on the sale of these drinks and other unapproved substances in the affected areas.

PUNCH Metro reports that many people in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town fell sick after drinking what is believed to be herbal drinks. Initially, 24 people died in these two communities.

Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, spoke to our correspondent on Thursday. He confirmed that the death toll had risen to 27.

Adegoroye said eight people died in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town. He mentioned that the situation has improved thanks to medical teams from both the state and local governments.

He said, "The number of deaths is now 27, but if not for the proactiveness of the medical teams from the state government and the local government, the death toll would have risen further. But we thank God that the situation has subsided."

"Today, the task force has moved around the parks, markets, and streets to enforce the ban on the sale of herbal drinks. As I’m talking to you, a number of them have been seized."

The environmental and health teams from the state government are already in town to carry out investigations. Adegoroye is confident that the situation will improve soon.

In the meantime, the state government has warned residents against consuming unapproved substances, herbal drinks, and other products not certified safe for people.

Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, shared this in a statement issued on Thursday after the incident.

The statement urged residents to be careful and avoid buying or consuming anything of questionable origin.

It said, "The government also strongly cautions sellers, producers, and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately desist from such practices. The production, sale, and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions according to the law."

"The government further cautions citizens, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorized use or consumption of substances that could cause serious health issues or death."

Residents are advised to buy medicines and other consumables only from authorized sources. They should also seek professional medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.

The government said investigations are ongoing to find out what caused the deaths. They assured residents that relevant agencies are looking into what happened.

They also asked residents to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

The statement praised the Odigbo LGA chairman for his quick response and support in protecting residents. It encouraged people to report any suspicious activities related to the production, sale, or distribution of dangerous or illegal substances to the proper authorities.

The government emphasized that protecting lives and ensuring a safe society is a shared responsibility that requires everyone's cooperation.