Desk. At least 48 people have died after consuming a local drink in Nigeria's Ondo state. 100 people have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. Ondo police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said one of the 15 people arrested in connection with the incident was producing such drinks. He said the drink is 'suspected to contain methanol and the accused is currently assisting the police in the investigation.' More than 100 other people have fallen ill after consuming the drink in Odigbo and Irele areas of Ondo in recent days, the state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the cases were reported in Odigbo and Irele local government areas. He said a total of 182 people have been affected. “It all happened very fast,” he said. After consumption, depending on the quantity, kidneys will be damaged, eyes will stop working, brain will be damaged. He further said that some people who fell ill after consuming the liquid have later been discharged from the hospital.
Ondo State Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said one of the 15 people arrested in connection with the incident was producing “beverages containing methanol” and is currently cooperating with the police in their investigation.