48 dead after consuming alcoholic drink, what really happened?

Nigeria methanol drink deaths reported

At least 48 people have died in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected to contain methanol. Around 100 others are receiving treatment, while officials say 182 people may have been affected.

The cases were reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas of Ondo state. Some of those affected are being treated in hospitals, according to the state health commissioner.

Drink suspected of causing serious illness

Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the suspected drink can cause severe damage depending on the amount consumed. “This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,” Ajaka told The Associated Press.

One patient, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, described losing his eyesight after drinking the suspected alcohol. “I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see,” he told local TVC News from a hospital bed.

15 people arrested over incident

Ondo state police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the incident. Police said one of those arrested was allegedly “involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the police with investigations.”

Authorities are investigating how the suspected methanol entered the locally produced drink. Officials have not confirmed the exact source of the contamination.

Locally made alcohol under investigation

Locally produced alcoholic drinks are widely consumed in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where they can be cheaper and less regulated. Local residents told The Associated Press that they suspected a popular herbal drink called “Monkey Tail” may have been mixed with methanol.

Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause serious poisoning and can lead to blindness, organ damage and death. Investigators are continuing to examine the drink and circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of unregulated alcoholic drinks. The investigation will help determine whether methanol contamination caused the deaths and illnesses.

Also read: Spanish scientists uncover first evidence of Diplodocus in Europe

Also read: Country rejects US visa restrictions, warning of deeper tensions