The Ondo State Government has banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other unapproved substances following the deaths of about 30 people in the Odigbo area of the state.
The government said the directive was aimed at preventing further casualties while investigations continue into the suspected toxic substance linked to the deaths.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, announced the directive, warning sellers and distributors against dealing in alcoholic drinks and other substances whose sources, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.
“The government has mandated the security agencies to swiftly swing into action against the distribution and sale of illegal and unapproved products across the state,” Ajanaku said.
Investigation Underway
Ajanaku said the Ministry of Health had deployed scientific officers to affected communities to investigate the incident and determine the substance responsible.
The government has not yet established the exact cause of the deaths, with health authorities conducting laboratory and toxicological investigations into suspected alcoholic and herbal substances.
The commissioner said the government, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was taking measures to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, protect residents and prevent further casualties.
Government Warns Sellers, Residents
The government warned residents against purchasing or consuming unverified alcoholic drinks, herbal concoctions and other substances, particularly products in sachets or bottles without appropriate regulatory approval.
Sellers and distributors were also directed to stop purchasing, selling or making available for public consumption substances whose safety and regulatory status cannot be established.
Ajanaku urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the relevant authorities.
“The protection of lives and the health of our people remains our collective responsibility,” the commissioner stated.
The state government has also urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information while investigations into the Odigbo deaths continue.
