Ondo herbal drink deaths rise to 49 as crisis spreads

The death toll from suspected poisonous herbal drinks in Ondo State, Nigeria, has risen to 49, with 170 people affected, according to state health officials. The crisis, which began in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to neighboring Irele LGA, where eight deaths have been recorded. Ondo State Commissioner for Health Dr. Banji Ajaka confirmed the updated figures during a briefing in Akure on Wednesday, September 17, 2026. He stated that medical teams have been deployed to affected communities to monitor patients, provide treatment, and conduct contact tracing to contain the outbreak. The initial cases were linked to the consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal substances at two naming ceremonies in communities within Odigbo LGA. Investigations indicate that an individual who was not a member of one of the hosting families procured the substance and brought it to the event, where it was consumed by guests. The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, AraromiObu, and Oniparaga. As part of its response, the Ondo State Government has suspended the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and herbal beverages in Odigbo.