NAFDAC Gives Update Report on Mass Deaths Associated with Alcoholic Consumption
A tragic incident involving multiple cases of sudden and severe illness and deaths following the reported consumption of locally prepared alcoholic/herbal concoctions was recently recorded in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The communities reported to have been affected included New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga,. The unfortunate event was pronounced particularly in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu. The incident was initially reported in early September 2026, following the sudden illness and deaths of residents who had reportedly consumed the suspected concoction. NAFDAC commiserates with the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate occurrence. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Initial reports indicated that 31 persons died, comprising 20 persons in Odigbo Town and 11 in Araromi-Obu, while several other persons who consumed the substance were either hospitalized or placed under medical observations. As the investigation progressed, the reported number of deaths and affected persons increased considerably. A total of 182 cases has thus far been recorded. The incident has resulted in 48 deaths, while the remaining affected persons have experienced varying degrees of illness and complications. Of the affected persons, 90 were admitted and subsequently discharged, six (6) remain hospitalised, 31 were treated as outpatients, while five (5) persons reportedly became totally blind with two (2) persons being partially blind. The general clinical features reported among affected persons included headache, generalized body weakness and pain, visual disturbances, difficulty in breathing and altered consciousness, with some cases reportedly deteriorating rapidly. NAFDAC investigations reveal that 15 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated locally produced alcoholic/herbal beverages. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken samples of the suspected concoction, which has been subjected to comprehensive laboratory examination and toxicological studies. These analyses are important for determining the chemical composition of the suspected product and identifying any potentially toxic substances, adulterants, contaminants or undeclared ingredients. The laboratory conducted toxicological, microbiological and chemical screening to identify potential toxicants on the fifteen (15) unlabeled samples that were submitted to the laboratory. Acute Oral Toxicity Test was performed using official methods-animal models (Laboratory mice) in accordance with Laboratory SOPs and OECD standard guidelines. Chemical Analysis was conducted using gas chromatography to detect toxic contaminants, while microbiological examination was conducted in line with USP standards and Laboratory SOP. Preliminary Findings • The acute oral toxicity test results for all samples recorded critically sick mice and approximately 50% mortality were recorded in six samples out of the 15 analyzed, indicating significant toxic potential of the samples. Those critically ill recovered after 24 hours of administration, However, there is the possibility that those that recovered might die if challenged with a second dose (estimated dose).
• The chemical screening results indicate that eleven (11) samples have cannabis indica while chemical analysis with Gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentration of methanol. Methanol is a highly toxic substance known to cause severe health effects including blindness, organ failure, and death.
Preliminary Conclusion
• The combination of high mortality in animal testing and confirmed methanol contamination strongly suggests that the samples pose a serious public health risk. However, these findings require further confirmatory analyses. These findings require immediate regulatory intervention to prevent further harm.
• Further confirmatory testing is ongoing to quantify methanol concentration and identify other possible toxic agents. Methanol in oral preparations is extremely dangerous, and ingestion can cause severe poisoning leading to blindness, organ failure, and death. The incident currently represents a significant public health concern due to the increasing number of deaths, the number of persons requiring medical attention and the geographical extension of reported cases. The current reported situation as at 17th of September 2026 is hereby summarized as follows:
S/N
Parameter
Current report situation
1
Initial affected location
Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu
2
Other affected area
Irele Local Government Area.
3
Initial reported deaths
31
4
Total Reported Cases
182
5
Current reported deaths
48
6
Admitted and Discharged
90
7
Currently Hospitalised
6
8
Totally Blind
5
9
Partially Blind
2
10
Treated as Out-patients
31
11
Persons Arrested
15
12
Suspected exposure
Locally prepared alcoholic/herbal concoction
13
Laboratory status
Investigation/forensic and toxicological analysis ongoing.
14
Public health response
Surveillance, case management, investigation and risk-control measures ongoing.
The above figures remain subject to co
ntinued verification as the investigation and surveillance activities continue.
