Ondo State methanol poisoning kills at least 48 people

methanol poisoning Ondo State NAFDAC Monkey Tail unregulated alcohol

At least 48 to 49 people have died and 182 cases of poisoning have been recorded in Ondo State, Nigeria, following the consumption of a locally brewed alcoholic and herbal concoction known as ‘Monkey Tail’. The outbreak, which began in early September, has affected communities in the Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that laboratory analysis of unlabelled samples revealed high concentrations of methanol, a toxic industrial substance. Additionally, 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for cannabis indica. Acute toxicity tests on laboratory mice showed approximately 50 percent mortality.

Health officials report that victims experienced symptoms including headaches, breathing difficulties, altered consciousness, and visual disturbances. At least five individuals have been rendered totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.

In response to the crisis, NAFDAC has arrested 15 individuals suspected of being involved in the production, sale, and distribution of the contaminated drinks. Ondo State authorities have also taken steps to ban the sale of unverified alcoholic substances in the region.

Entities

Banji Ajaka · Mojisola Adeyeye · National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control · Odigbo · Ondo State

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] At least 48 to 49 people have died due to suspected alcohol poisoning in Ondo State. www.lacinquieme.tg · nation.africa · newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities have arrested 15 individuals linked to the production and sale of the brew. newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[● 3 SOURCES] 11 out of 15 tested samples contained cannabis indica. newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[DISPUTED] A total of 182 cases of poisoning have been recorded. www.lacinquieme.tg · nation.africa · newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[● 3 SOURCES] Five people were rendered totally blind and two were partially blinded. newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[● 2 SOURCES] Acute toxicity tests on laboratory mice showed roughly 50 percent mortality. newscentraltv.com · www.qed.ng
[● 3 SOURCES] Laboratory tests confirmed high concentrations of methanol in the samples. newscentraltv.com · www.nigerianeye.com · www.qed.ng
[○ 1 SOURCE] The poisoning was traced to two traditional ceremonies in the Odigbo district. nation.africa