At least 24 people have been confirmed dead, and several others remain hospitalised after consuming a suspected herbal or locally brewed alcoholic drink in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The deaths, recorded between September 3 and 7, occurred mostly in Odigbo town, where 16 people died, and Araromi Obu, where eight others died. Some victims reportedly died in their homes or in their sleep. Odigbo council chairman Taiwo Adegoroye confirmed the toll on Wednesday, and the state's Ministry of Health said preliminary findings linked the deaths to a locally brewed alcoholic drink known as "Monkey Tail", though authorities have not ruled out other suspected herbal concoctions sold in sachets.
The deaths triggered anger in the affected communities, with youths marching to the palace of the traditional ruler of Araromi Obu, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, to demand urgent action. The monarch urged calm and said efforts were underway to identify the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of life.
The Ondo State government has banned the sale of locally brewed alcohol in the affected communities pending investigation, and state health officials say autopsies are being conducted to determine the exact substance responsible. The Nigeria Police Force is also investigating. Authorities have urged the public to avoid consuming unregulated or unverified alcoholic and herbal preparations until the cause of the deaths is established.