Published : 19 Sep 2026, 05:18 PM
Updated : 19 Sep 2026, 05:18 PM
At least 49 people have died and 182 others have been hospitalised after suspected alcohol poisoning in Nigeria’s southwestern Ondo state, the state’s health commissioner said on Friday.
The health emergency was first reported on Sept 5, when authorities said 29 people had died within a week of consuming the alcohol. Ondo Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the death toll had risen to 49 by Friday.
Authorities suspect the deaths were caused by methanol poisoning from a locally brewed gin popularly known as “Monkey Tail”, highlighting the risks posed by unregulated alcoholic drinks that remain widely consumed in parts of Nigeria because they are cheap and easily available.
Ajaka said the incident was traced to two traditional ceremonies in Odigbo district, where guests consumed the locally produced drink.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance. However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence,” Ajaka said in a statement.
Victims reported symptoms including headaches, body pain, breathing difficulties, altered consciousness and blindness, Ajaka said.
“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,” he said.
Police said they had arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.
Authorities have yet to confirm through laboratory tests whether methanol poisoning caused the deaths.
