Officials announced on Thursday that at least 48 people have died in southern Nigeria after drinking a locally brewed alcoholic concoction. This beverage is suspected to contain methanol. Approximately 100 other individuals are now receiving medical treatment following the incident. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected by the tainted drink. Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, stated that the cases emerged from the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. Many of the affected individuals are currently hospitalized.
Drinking locally made alcohol is a common practice throughout Nigeria, especially in its rural communities. These beverages are often significantly more affordable and face minimal regulation compared to commercially produced alternatives. This widespread consumption of poorly regulated local alcohol contributes to potential health dangers, as tragically demonstrated by these recent fatalities and hospitalizations in Ondo state.