The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died after consuming suspected toxic local herbal alcoholic mixtures, popularly known as “monkey tail”, in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed that 60 suspected cases had so far been recorded, with three victims currently receiving treatment and 27 others under observation.

He put the provisional case-fatality rate at 48.3 per cent.

According to the commissioner, the affected persons were linked principally to two naming ceremonies, with cases reported in New Town, Odole, Okele and Orita Odigbo in Odigbo Ward, and subsequently in Araromi Obu.

Another suspected case from Oniparaga is also under surveillance.

Ajaka clarified that the families who organised the naming ceremonies did not procure the suspected substance.

Rather, he said, an individual brought the drink to the gatherings for people to consume during the celebrations.

He described the situation as highly fatal, noting that some victims reportedly died within two hours, while most deaths occurred within 24 hours of consumption.

The commissioner said 95 per cent of the affected persons are males aged between 16 and 55, while the State Rapid Response Team has collected 36 biological specimens, including blood and urine, for laboratory analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been secured for toxicological investigation.

Ajaka stressed that the specific toxic agent responsible for the deaths had yet to be established, and that all cases remained classified as suspected pending laboratory and toxicological confirmation.

He added that law-enforcement agencies had commenced investigations, with several suspects already in custody.

He warned that anyone found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed poisonous substances would face the full weight of the law.

The state government, he said, has activated a coordinated emergency response involving the Ministry of Health, local government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies and regulatory bodies.

Ajaka urged residents to avoid alcoholic substances obtained from unlicensed sources, report suspicious products and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.

He also assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be communicated transparently once they become available.