Nigeria investigates suspected herbal drink poisoning that killed 24

An investigation has been launched in Nigeria’s southwestern Ondo state after 24 people died following the consumption of a locally produced herbal drink.

The incident occurred in the towns of Araromi Obu and Odigbo. Residents reportedly became seriously ill after drinking the herbal mixture, which was allegedly sold at several locations over the weekend. Some victims reportedly lost consciousness shortly after consuming it.

Taiwo Adegoroye, chairman of the Odigbo local government, confirmed that 24 deaths had been recorded. He said eight of the victims were from Araromi Obu and 16 from Odigbo. Several people are receiving treatment in hospitals.

Officials stressed that the exact cause of the deaths has not yet been determined. They are awaiting laboratory tests and autopsy results to establish whether poisoning, contamination or other factors were responsible.

“We can confirm that 24 people have died, but we have not yet determined the cause,” Adegoroye said. Specialists from the Ondo State Ministry of Health have joined the investigation.

Following the incident, local authorities temporarily banned the sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks in the affected communities. The measure aims to prevent further illnesses while the investigation continues.

Although preliminary assessments suggest that the substances consumed by the victims may be linked to the deaths, officials said it was too early to draw a final conclusion. The Ondo state government has classified the incident as a public health emergency.

Felix Ohagwu, Ondo state’s police commissioner, said law enforcement agencies were working with health officials and other government bodies. Investigators are collecting samples of the drink and taking statements from survivors, witnesses and vendors.

The incident has caused concern among local residents. Young people held a peaceful demonstration in Odigbo, demanding that the cause of the tragedy be established quickly and that public safety measures be strengthened.

Some demonstrators marched to the palace of the town’s traditional ruler. Oba Rufus Akinrinmade called on residents to remain calm and said the authorities were investigating the cause of the incident.

Suspected poisoning incidents involving unregulated herbal mixtures and locally produced alcoholic drinks are periodically reported in various parts of Nigeria. Health experts warn that consuming products that have not undergone safety testing or received regulatory approval can pose serious risks.

Local authorities are expected to release laboratory results in the coming days. The findings could clarify what caused one of the region’s most serious suspected poisoning incidents in recent years.