ABUJA, Nigeria – A tragic outbreak of methanol poisoning has claimed at least 48 lives in Nigeria’s Ondo state, with roughly 100 additional residents receiving treatment, authorities reported on Thursday. The deaths are linked to a popular homemade alcoholic beverage that locals call “Monkey Tail.”
Local officials detail the scope of the outbreak
Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, confirmed that the cases were reported from the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. He said a total of 182 people are believed to have been affected, with many currently in hospital care.
One survivor, 32‑year‑old Sola Adebayo, told TVC News from a hospital bed, “I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.”
What health officials say about the drink
Ajaka warned that the toxin acts quickly, stating, “Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged.” The rapid onset of symptoms has alarmed health workers across the region.
Police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh announced that 15 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including one suspected of producing the methanol‑containing substance and who is now assisting investigators.
Community concerns and the alleged product
Local residents suspect that the fatal cases stem from a version of “Monkey Tail” that has been adulterated with methanol. A trader who sells the drink in Odigbo, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of arrest, said there are two versions: an original, safe formulation and a newer, unsafe version that may contain the toxic chemical.
“People have been drinking this for years without problem, but this batch seems different,” the trader said.
Regulatory response
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, citing concerns that such packaging makes the product easily accessible to children and young people. The agency’s crackdown aims to curb the distribution of unregulated alcoholic concoctions that can pose severe health risks.
Local media reported that the first death in this outbreak was recorded nearly two weeks ago, indicating that the problem may have been developing before authorities became aware.
Public‑health implications
The incident underscores the dangers of unregulated, home‑brewed alcohol in rural areas where such drinks are often cheaper and more readily available than commercially produced beverages. Health officials are urging residents to avoid any locally made alcoholic drinks that are not certified by regulatory bodies.
“We are working closely with law‑enforcement to identify the source of the contaminated product and prevent further tragedies,” Ajaka added.
What families can do
Families who suspect they have consumed a contaminated drink should seek immediate medical attention, especially if they experience symptoms such as vision loss, kidney pain, or neurological disturbances. Early treatment can be critical in preventing severe outcomes.
Authorities continue to investigate the supply chain of the suspect beverage and have pledged to keep the public informed as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
