29 dead in Nigeria from suspected toxic herbal alcohol

At least 29 people have died and 60 others are hospitalized in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming suspected toxic herbal alcoholic drinks, prompting a multi-agency investigation and a temporary ban on local brews in the affected area. The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, confirmed the death toll and case count at a press conference in Akure on Sunday. He stated that 95% of those affected are males aged between 16 and 55 years. The cases were recorded across six communities in Odigbo Local Government Area: Orita Odigbo, AraromiObu, Newtown, Odole, Okele, and Oniparaga. Ajaka described the victims' symptoms as including intense headaches, sharp body pains, extreme weakness, visual impairment, respiratory distress, and loss of consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly. He noted that some individuals died within two hours of consumption, while most fatalities occurred within 24 hours. The Ondo State Police Command announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the incident.