48 people die in Nigeria after poisoning from herbal drinks — Premium Times Nigeria
In Nigeria’s Ondo State, 48 people have died and another 182 cases of severe illness have been recorded following reports of the consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal mixtures. This was stated by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Cases in Odigbo and Irele
According to NAFDAC data as of September 17, the cases were mainly recorded in the Odigbo Local Government Area, in the communities of New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita-Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu were the most affected. Cases were also reported from the Irele Local Government Area.
The agency noted that the data are still being verified as part of surveillance and the investigation. Of the 182 recorded cases, 90 people were hospitalized and later discharged, 31 patients were treated as outpatients, and six remained in hospitals at that time. Five affected people completely lost their sight, while another two lost it partially.
According to the agency’s preliminary data, symptoms among those affected included headache, general weakness, body pain, visual impairment, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. In some patients, the condition deteriorated rapidly.
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Preliminary test results
NAFDAC examined 15 unlabeled samples of herbal mixtures, including by conducting toxicity testing and chemical analysis. Cannabis indica was detected in 11 samples, while gas chromatography confirmed high concentrations of methanol. The agency stressed that this substance can cause blindness, organ damage and death.
During acute oral toxicity tests, six of the 15 samples caused approximately 50 percent mortality among laboratory mice. NAFDAC said this indicates the samples’ significant toxic potential. At the same time, the regulator emphasized the preliminary nature of the results: specialists are continuing analyses to determine the exact concentration of methanol and identify other potentially toxic substances.
NAFDAC also reported the arrest of 15 suspects in the alleged production, sale and distribution of these alcoholic and herbal drinks. The agency urged people not to buy or consume unlicensed, unregistered or locally produced drinks with unknown composition.
