A recent outbreak of suspected poisoning from a herbal mixture known as 'monkey tail' in Ondo State, Nigeria, has resulted in 49 confirmed deaths as of September 16, 2026. This represents an increase from 30 deaths recorded on September 5, 2026, in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, disclosed that at least 170 persons had been affected by the toxic substance.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reported a total of 182 cases so far, with the affected communities including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, and Oniparaga. Laboratory analysis of samples of the suspected concoctions detected high concentrations of methanol, a highly toxic substance capable of causing blindness, organ failure, and death.
According to NAFDAC's Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, preliminary findings have strengthened concerns that the locally prepared alcoholic/herbal mixtures pose a serious public health risk. However, further confirmatory tests are still being conducted to determine the full extent of the risk. The state government has announced a ban on the sale of unverified local drinks following the initial fatalities in Odigbo.
This incident is not an isolated case, as deaths from locally produced drinks have been recorded in Nigeria over the years. In 2015, more than 80 people died in separate incidents linked to a local gin in Rivers and Ondo states, leading to a ban on its sale and consumption. Similar incidents have been reported in Edo and Ogun states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in 2016.
The current ban on the sale of unverified local drinks is a welcome development, but official pronouncements must be backed by strong enforcement in both accessible and hard-to-reach areas. The toxic brews exist in unsupervised settings, including parties, motor parks, viewing centres, and neighbourhood kiosks, making them dangerously accessible to unsuspecting consumers.
Regulatory and security agencies must take decisive steps to trace and cut off the supply sources of these toxic substances. The law does not prohibit herbal drinks per se, but it prohibits products that fail to meet safety standards and have the potential to put the lives of consumers at risk. A comprehensive crackdown on manufacturing and supply routes is necessary to prevent future tragedies.
The Ondo case presents a vital opportunity for individual responsibility and governance accountability. People must be wary of what they consume and weigh the risks associated with consuming harmful substances. Governments at all levels should heighten vigilance and ensure that vendors of these harmful liquids are brought to justice. The police have arrested some suspects, and those arrested must face the full weight of the law.
Key points
- At least 49 people have died in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a herbal mixture called 'monkey tail'.
- The Ondo State Commissioner for Health reported that 170 persons had been affected by the toxic substance.
- NAFDAC has reported a total of 182 cases so far, with high concentrations of methanol detected in the suspected concoctions.
