Fear and tension have engulfed Odigbo Town in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the mysterious deaths of no fewer than 24 persons within five days, prompting angry youths to stage a protest and demand urgent government intervention.
The deaths, which were reportedly recorded between September 3 and 7, 2026, occurred under circumstances that remain unclear, with residents alleging that some victims died in their homes while others reportedly passed away in their sleep.
The situation triggered outrage among youths in the community, who marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, demanding explanations and immediate action to halt the growing fatalities.
Addressing the protesters, Oba Akinrinmade appealed for calm, assuring residents that efforts were underway to uncover the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of lives.
The development has drawn the attention of health authorities, who have commenced investigations into the incident.
Speaking during a visit to the community, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adeji, disclosed that preliminary findings pointed to a possible link between the deaths and the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages.
According to him, a locally produced drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail,” alongside other herbal and ethanol-based drinks, has emerged as a substance of interest in the ongoing investigation.
“Preliminary findings suggest a possible link between the deaths and the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages, particularly a drink known as ‘Monkey Tail’ and other locally prepared herbal and ethanol-based drinks,” Adeji said.
He, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions, stressing that laboratory analysis of samples collected from the area was still ongoing.
“Further investigations are required to establish whether there is any direct connection between the consumption of the drinks and the reported deaths,” he added.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the incident, saying the government had launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the deaths.
Ajaka said authorities were taking the matter seriously but declined to disclose the specific substance suspected to be responsible until medical assessments and laboratory examinations were concluded.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, has imposed a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area as a precautionary measure.
Adegoroye explained that a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team indicated a possible connection between the fatalities and the consumption of certain locally produced substances.
“The decision is intended to protect public health while relevant authorities continue investigations into the reported cases,” he said.
He noted that toxicological investigations were ongoing to establish the exact cause of the deaths and warned that anyone caught selling or distributing the banned drinks during the restriction period would face arrest and prosecution.
Reports indicated that the deaths were recorded in Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo communities, while several other suspected victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.