Grief turned to fury early Thursday in Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, Odigbo Local Government Area, after a suspected “herbal concoction” wiped out no fewer than 20 residents overnight.
Witnesses said many victims went to bed complaining of stomach pains and never woke up. Others were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition, with wards filling up faster than doctors could respond.
By sunrise, angry family members marched to the palace of the Odigbo monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, demanding answers and urgent action to stop more deaths. “We buried our people in their sleep,” one resident cried outside the palace gates.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed that medical teams had been deployed to the affected communities to assess casualties and begin investigations. Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, also said health experts were already on ground.
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Government Steps In: Police Warn Against Unregulated Brews
The Ondo State Government has vowed to “get to the root” of the incident, with Ajaka promising a full probe into what was consumed and where it came from.
The State Police Command has joined the response. Spokesman Jimoh Abayomi said officers from the Police Medical Services are working alongside health officials and council authorities.
“The actual number of casualties and precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation,” Abayomi stated. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, warning the public to avoid “unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations” until findings are released.
Oba Akinrinmade appealed for calm, assuring his people that traditional and government leaders were working together to prevent further loss.
