The Ondo State government has placed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other consumables. The directive comes after 30 people reportedly died in Odigbo Local Government Area over the weekend.
The incident happened on Saturday, September 5, in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu. According to reports, residents had consumed a liquid described as an herbal concoction. Several victims allegedly lost consciousness shortly after drinking it and later died in different places.
Authorities say the substance has not been approved or tested by relevant health and regulatory agencies. Because of this, the state government moved to halt the circulation of similar drinks to prevent further casualties while investigations continue.
Officials have urged traders and distributors to stop stocking any alcoholic products or herbal mixtures that do not have proper certification and NAFDAC approval. Security agencies and health inspectors have also been tasked with enforcing the ban across markets in the state.
The government expressed condolences to families of those who died and advised residents to be cautious about what they consume. Health workers are monitoring affected communities, and the state says it will provide updates as findings from the investigation become available.
Ondo Government Bans Unverified Alcohol After 30 Deaths Linked to Herbal Drink in Odigbo
