The Ondo State Government has ordered security agencies to launch an immediate crackdown on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances suspected to have caused the deaths of 29 people in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government said the affected products, including locally made alcoholic concoctions popularly known as “Monkey Tail,” posed a serious threat to public health and must be removed from circulation across the state.
The directive was announced on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, following investigations into the deaths and reports of dozens of suspected cases.
Ajanaku, in a statement issued in Akure, said the government had imposed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other potentially harmful substances, whether packaged in sachets or bottles.
He said security agencies had been directed to identify and shut down outlets involved in the sale or distribution of uncertified alcoholic products and other substances whose safety could not be established.
“The government has mandated the security agencies to swiftly swing into action against the distribution and sale of illegal and unapproved products across the state,” Ajanaku said.
The Commissioner said the action was aimed at preventing further deaths and stopping the suspected toxic substances from reaching other communities across Ondo State.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said 60 suspected cases had so far been identified in connection with the incident.
According to him, three patients are currently hospitalised, while 27 others are under observation.
The state government has also commenced toxicological investigations to establish the substance responsible for the deaths.
Ajanaku said scientific officers from the Ministry of Health had been deployed to the affected communities to collect evidence and determine the exact cause of the fatalities.
“Samples of suspected alcoholic substances recovered from affected communities have also been secured and submitted for toxicological investigation,” he said.
He added that the investigation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The commissioner said the government, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was determined to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, protect residents and prevent further casualties.
Ajanaku urged residents to avoid purchasing or consuming alcoholic drinks and other substances whose sources and regulatory status could not be verified, particularly products packaged in sachets or bottles without NAFDAC approval.
He also warned manufacturers, sellers and distributors against producing, stocking or making available for public consumption any substance whose contents or safety could not be established.
“Anyone found violating this directive will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.
The government further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious products, outlets and activities to the appropriate authorities.
“The protection of lives and the health of our people remains our collective responsibility,” Ajanaku added.
