A suspected methanol-related health crisis in Ondo State has spread to Irele Local Government Area, with eight deaths reported in the area.

The outbreak was initially recorded in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the number of affected persons had risen to about 170, including those receiving treatment and those who had died.

Ajaka said Irele was currently the worst-affected area, with eight deaths recorded as of Tuesday night.

“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” he said.

The commissioner linked the crisis to the consumption of ethanol by some of the victims and said medical teams had been deployed to the affected communities.

He added that the state government had intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be linked to the deaths.

Fourteen other people were also arrested for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to the police, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting investigators with information.

The command said the situation had been brought under control following coordinated efforts by security, medical and investigative agencies.

It added that the remains of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.

The police assured residents that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

Ondo Suspected Methanol Outbreak Spreads to Irele, Eight Dead

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