48 dead in Nigeria from suspected methanol poisoning

At least 48 people have died and 182 others have been affected in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a local alcoholic drink suspected to contain methanol, according to state health officials. The incident has prompted the arrest of 15 individuals and a multi-agency investigation into the source of the contamination. Dr. Banji Ajaka, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, confirmed the figures on Thursday, September 18, 2026. He stated that the cases were reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. "As at Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, the total number of deaths recorded was 48, while 182 cases were reported at the medical facilities," Ajaka told the News Agency of Nigeria. The health commissioner described the rapid and severe effects of the suspected poison. "This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged," Ajaka said. One victim, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, recounted his experience from a hospital bed: "I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.