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The Ondo State Government has banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks following 30 deaths linked to a local herbal mixture.
The government announced the directive on Saturday after 50 other people were hospitalised after reportedly consuming the substance, commonly known as “monkey tail”, in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the measure was necessary to prevent further deaths and contain the incident.
The ban covers alcoholic drinks and other substances sold in sachets, bottles or other forms whose sources, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.
Ajanaku said the Ministry of Health had launched an investigation into the substance suspected to be responsible for the deaths.
Scientific officers have also been deployed to affected areas to identify the substance and determine what caused the illnesses.
“Under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, protect the lives of our people and prevent further casualties,” the statement said.
The government warned residents against buying or consuming unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances, especially products without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Sellers and distributors have been directed to immediately stop purchasing, selling or distributing substances whose sources, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.
The government warned that anyone who violates the directive would face the full force of the law.
Security agencies have also been directed to clamp down on the sale and distribution of illegal and unapproved products across the state.
Residents were urged to report suspicious products, sellers and distribution activities to the authorities.
“Protecting lives and safeguarding public health remains a collective responsibility,” the government said, urging residents to cooperate with health officials and security agencies as investigations continue.
