At least 48 deaths and 100 hospitalizations have been recorded in Nigeria as a result of consuming a certain beverage. The health commissioner of Ondo state, Banji Ajaka, reported that the cases were detected in the areas of Odigbo and Irele, totaling an estimated 182 affected individuals.
Ajaka detailed that the effect is extremely rapid: upon ingesting the substance, depending on the dose, kidney function stops, vision loss occurs, and brain damage happens. He also mentioned that some of the sick who consumed the drink have already been released from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo police, announced that 15 people were arrested in connection with the incident. One of these detainees was producing the suspicious drinks, which contain methanol, and is cooperating with the police investigation.
According to local reports, the first death case was registered approximately two weeks ago. In parallel, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria implemented a national ban on alcohol packaged in sachets and small plastic containers, aiming to hinder access by children and youth.
It is notable that the consumption of locally produced alcoholic beverages is frequent in Africa's most populous country, particularly in rural regions of Nigeria.