ONDO, NIGERIA — The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in parts of Ondo State has risen to 30, with about 60 cases recorded, according to reports from the state.
The affected communities are in the Odigbo area of the state.
Following the deaths, health authorities have stepped up surveillance of alcoholic and other consumable products in the affected communities.
The state government has also moved to restrict the sale of unapproved alcoholic and herbal drinks while investigations continue and laboratory tests are carried out.
The incident has caused fear among residents and has renewed questions about the regulation of locally produced alcoholic and herbal beverages.
Authorities are expected to establish exactly what caused the deaths and whether contaminated products were responsible.
Monafrika Take:
Thirty deaths should never become just another headline. This incident needs a transparent investigation. If contaminated products are responsible, those behind their production and distribution must be held accountable. More importantly, Nigeria needs stronger monitoring of products sold to the public.
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