Ondo Bans Unverified Alcoholic Drinks After About 30 Die in Suspected ‘Monkey Tail’ Incident

The Ondo State Government has banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other potentially harmful substances across the state following the deaths of about 30 people in the Odigbo Local Government Area.

The government said the deaths occurred after residents reportedly consumed a locally produced herbal alcoholic mixture popularly known as “monkey tail.” About 50 other people were reportedly hospitalised following the incident.

However, the exact substance responsible for the deaths has not yet been scientifically established, as investigations into the incident are still ongoing.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, announced the ban in a statement, saying the measure was introduced to prevent further casualties and protect residents.

The directive covers alcoholic drinks and other substances sold in sachets, bottles or other forms where their source, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.

Ajanaku said the Ministry of Health had commenced investigations, while scientific officers had been deployed to affected communities to identify the substance suspected to be responsible for the deaths.

“Under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, protect the lives of our people and prevent further casualties.”

The state government warned residents against buying or consuming alcoholic drinks and other substances whose authenticity and regulatory approval cannot be established, particularly products packaged in sachets or bottles without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Traders and distributors were also directed to immediately stop purchasing, selling or distributing any product whose source, contents or regulatory status cannot be verified.

The government warned that anyone who violates the directive would be prosecuted and face the full force of the law.

Security agencies across the state have been directed to immediately clamp down on the sale and distribution of illegal and unapproved products.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious products, vendors and distribution activities to the relevant authorities.

“Protecting lives and safeguarding public health remains a collective responsibility.”

The government urged residents to cooperate with health officials and security agencies as investigations continue.

The development follows a rapidly evolving public health incident in parts of Odigbo LGA, where the reported death toll has changed as authorities continue to identify and verify cases.

Until laboratory and toxicology investigations establish the cause, the reported link between the deaths and “monkey tail” or any specific product should be treated as a suspected connection, not a confirmed cause.