ondo bans sale of unverified alcoholic drinks after 30 die in odigbo
The Ondo State Government has banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances following the deaths of about 30 people in the state.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu after residents reportedly consumed an herbal liquid substance. Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Idowu Ajanaku, Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said the ban, which takes immediate effect across the state, was necessary to prevent further loss of life.
“Following the death of about 30 people in the Odigbo area of Ondo State reportedly linked to the consumption of unverified alcohol, the state government has ordered the immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances, whether in sachets or bottles, across the state,” the statement reads.
“This decision has become necessary to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the unfortunate incident in Odigbo does not spread to other parts of the state.
“The State Ministry of Health has taken proactive steps to investigate the substance suspected to be responsible for the deaths. Scientific officers from the Ministry have been deployed to the affected areas to conduct investigations and determine the exact substance involved.
“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.”
Ajanaku urged residents to desist from purchasing or consuming unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances, particularly products in sachets or bottles that lack approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The commissioner also warned sellers and distributors against purchasing, selling or making available for public consumption any substance whose source, content or regulatory status cannot be verified.
“Anyone found violating this directive will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Ajanaku directed security agencies to enforce the ban and take action against the distribution and sale of illegal and unapproved products across the state.
