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The death toll from suspected toxic alcohol consumption in Ondo State has risen to 49, with 182 cases now reported as the health crisis spreads from Odigbo to Irele Local Government Area.
The latest figures represent a sharp escalation from the 29 deaths and 60 suspected cases confirmed by the state government last week, when the outbreak was concentrated in communities in Odigbo.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the latest casualty figures yesterday, said preliminary tests were pointing to methanol poisoning, while health and security agencies were still trying to establish the source of the suspected toxic substance.
“As at Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, the total number of deaths recorded was 48, while 182 cases were reported at the medical facilities,” Ajaka said.
Irele has emerged as the latest flashpoint, with Idogun and Gbogunron communities affected, expanding a crisis that began earlier this month in Odigbo and Araromi-Obu.
“The source of the death is linked to consumption of suspected methanol. The urine sample from the victims is pointing at suspected methanol,” the commissioner said.
Ajaka said investigators were still searching for the source of the substance consumed in the affected Irele communities.
“We are still looking for the source of consumption in the two communities in Irele Local Government Area,” he said.
The crisis was first reported on September 5 after residents of Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu reportedly consumed a herbal alcoholic substance. Cases subsequently emerged in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
At the earlier stage of the outbreak, the government said 95 per cent of those affected were males between 16 and 55 years. Victims presented with symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual impairment, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some deteriorating rapidly. As the death toll mounted, the state government ordered an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances in an effort to contain the crisis and prevent its spread to other communities. Police have also intensified investigation into the deaths. Fifteen people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including a suspect alleged to have produced a drink believed to contain methanol. Substances recovered during the investigation were sent for forensic examination.
Ajaka said the state government was working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organisation (WHO), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), police, Amotekun Corps and local government authorities to contain the outbreak.
The multi-agency response, he said, is focused on tracing the source of the suspected methanol, treating affected persons and preventing further deaths.
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol. Severe poisoning can cause visual impairment or blindness, kidney and other organ failure, brain damage and death. Ajaka said the effects could develop rapidly depending on the quantity consumed.
The figures surrounding the outbreak were still changing yesterday. While Ajaka said 48 deaths and 182 cases had been recorded as of September 16, separate reports quoting state officials put the toll at 49 deaths and 170 affected persons.
