The Ondo State Government says the health crisis linked to suspected toxic alcoholic substances has spread to Irele Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Wednesday.
Ajaka said eight people had died in Irele, bringing the total number of people affected across the areas to about 170.
“As we are now, Irele Local Government Area is where we have a serious issue now. Our people are there and many people have died.
“About eight people have been recorded to have died as at yesterday’s night.
“So, all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died,” he said.
It was reported that Ajaka had earlier confirmed 29 deaths in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area during a news conference.
He said many other affected residents were receiving treatment in hospitals following consumption of the suspected toxic alcoholic substances.
The commissioner reiterated that ethanol consumption was responsible for the health crisis, adding that the government was taking proactive measures.
He said the measures were aimed at preventing the crisis from spreading to other local government areas across the state.
Ajaka said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities where reports of the crisis emerged.
He added that response teams had moved to Irele to assess the situation and provide necessary medical interventions.
“We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue.
“Our teams are already in Irele as I am talking to you now,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming substances suspected to be harmful to their health.
He said the government would continue its efforts to contain the crisis and prevent further deaths.
It was reported that the state government has also banned the sale of unverified alcoholic drinks across Ondo.
