The Ondo State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances following the deaths of about 30 people in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly occurred on September 5 in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu after residents consumed a suspected herbal liquid substance.

Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before later dying at different locations.

In a statement, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government’s decision was aimed at preventing further loss of life while investigations continue to establish the substance responsible for the deaths.

According to him, the Ministry of Health has deployed scientific officers to the affected communities to analyse the suspected substance and determine its exact composition.

The government warned residents against purchasing or consuming alcoholic drinks and other substances whose sources and regulatory status cannot be verified, particularly products sold in sachets or bottles without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Ajanaku also cautioned sellers and distributors against dealing in unapproved products, warning that anyone found violating the directive would face the full force of the law.

He directed security agencies to enforce the ban and clamp down on the sale and distribution of illegal and unapproved substances across the state.