NAFDAC Confirms 48 Deaths, 182 Cases in Ondo Alcoholic Herbal Concoction Tragedy

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed 48 deaths out of 182 cases recorded following the reported consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu recording the highest impact.

The incident has also extended to Irele Local Government Area, while the figures remain subject to ongoing verification.

According to the Director-General/CEO of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, as of September 17, 2026, 90 affected persons had been admitted and subsequently discharged, 31 treated as outpatients and six remained hospitalised.

“Disturbingly, five persons have been rendered totally blind and two partially blind,” Adeyeye said.

Clinical symptoms reported among affected persons include headache, generalised body weakness and pain, visual disturbances, difficulty in breathing and altered consciousness, with some cases deteriorating rapidly.

NAFDAC said 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected concoction were subjected to acute oral toxicity testing, chemical analysis through gas chromatography and microbiological examination as part of its regulatory and investigative response.

Preliminary findings showed that 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for cannabis indica, while gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol, a highly toxic substance associated with blindness, organ failure and death.

“Acute oral toxicity tests recorded approximately 50 per cent mortality in laboratory mice across six of the samples analysed, indicating significant toxic potential,” the Agency stated.

NAFDAC said confirmatory analyses to quantify the methanol concentration and identify additional toxic agents are ongoing.

In addition to the laboratory investigations, 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.

The Agency said surveillance, case management and risk-control measures are ongoing across the affected communities in coordination with relevant public health authorities.

NAFDAC warned the public against the purchase or consumption of unlicensed, unregistered and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition.

It urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden visual disturbances, severe headache, difficulty in breathing or altered consciousness after consuming such substances to seek immediate medical attention.

The Agency also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and assured the public that necessary regulatory actions were being taken.