Ondo ‘Monkey Tail’ Toxic Drink Death Toll Rises to 49, 170 Affected

The death toll linked to the consumption of suspected toxic alcoholic and herbal mixtures popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people reportedly affected.

NupekoTV reports that the health crisis, initially recorded in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area, has now extended to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been reported.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the latest figures, saying health officials had intensified surveillance, treatment and emergency response in affected communities.

According to Ajaka, the 170 affected persons comprise those who have died and those who have been admitted for treatment.

The commissioner said health teams had been deployed to Irele following reports of fatalities, while investigations continued to determine the source and exact composition of the substance suspected to have caused the deaths.

The incident was initially reported in communities including Araromi-Obu, Odigbo, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga.

Earlier reports linked the deaths to locally produced alcoholic and herbal mixtures, with some survivors identifying a locally made drink popularly called “Monkey Tail” as one of the substances consumed.

Authorities have continued to warn residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks, herbal preparations and other substances whose contents and production processes are unknown.

The Ondo State Police Command has also commenced investigations and arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, who is suspected of involvement in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol.

Police said the suspect is assisting with the investigation, while other persons were also arrested for allegedly violating restrictions placed on the sale of unverified herbal products.

The allegations against the suspects have not been established in court.

The state government is working with relevant agencies, including NAFDAC, NDLEA, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as investigations and medical examinations continue.

The Ondo State Government had earlier ordered a crackdown on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and concoctions following the deaths.

The government has urged residents to avoid substances of doubtful origin and to report suspicious production or distribution activities to the appropriate authorities.