Ogun probes ‘poisonous’ alcoholic drinks that killed 8

Ogun state government on Sunday said it has begun investigation into the sales of ‘poisonous’ locally brewed alcoholic drinks in some parts of the state.

This, the government said, followed the death of some residents of the state after allegedly consuming alcoholic drinks last week.

The government said it had received reports of 11 cases of severe illnesses and death of eight persons all directly linked to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic products.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Tomi Coker, in a statement to journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday cautioned residents of the state against the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and other products not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to her, the incidents reportedly occurred between July 18 and 20, 2023 in two local government areas, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu.

She added that the Ministry of Health had initiated an investigation into the source and nature of the products.

The statement read, “It is of utmost importance to only consume products that have been officially approved and certified by NAFDAC.

“The unauthorised production and distribution of alcoholic beverages and other consumable items pose significant health risks as they are often manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions, making them potential breeding grounds for harmful substances and toxins.

“Such substances can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, fatal outcomes, as evidenced by the recent incidents in Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas.

“We hereby urge the public to report any suspicious locally brewed alcoholic drink to the appropriate authorities or NAFDAC.”

The governor’s aide added that residents should also report any case of illness or death after consumption of similar products including herbal concoctions to the nearest government hospital.