- Ogun State government has launched an investigation into the sale of “poisonous” locally brewed alcoholic drinks
- The government has received reports of 11 cases of severe illnesses and the deaths of 8 people, all of which were directly related to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages
- Residents of Ogun State are advised to be cautious and avoid drinking from untrustworthy sources while the investigation is ongoing
On Sunday, the Ogun State government announced that an investigation into the sale of ‘poisonous’ locally brewed alcoholic drinks in some parts of the state had begun.
The death of some residents of the state last week was allegedly caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages, according to the government.
The government stated that it had received reports of 11 cases of severe illnesses and the deaths of eight people, all of which were directly related to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic beverages.
In a statement to journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Tomi Coker, warned residents of the state against consuming locally brewed alcoholic drinks and other products not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Six people died in Ogbogbo, Ijebu North East area of the state, according to our correspondent, after consuming alcoholic drinks.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday at a pub where seven friends had gathered.
According to a source, all six people who drank the alcohol died, except for the seventh, who allegedly brought the drink from home.
Coker stated on Sunday that the incidents allegedly occurred between July 18th and 20th, 2023 in two local government areas of Ogun State, namely Ijebu North East and Odogbolu, and that the Ministry of Health had launched an extensive investigation into the source and nature of the hazardous products.
She did, however, warn the public to be cautious and avoid drinking from untrustworthy sources while the investigation is ongoing.
Residents should also report any cases of illness or death caused by similar products, including herbal concoctions, to the nearest government hospital, according to the special adviser.