High Methanol Concentration Responsible for Ondo Alcohol Deaths — NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the deaths and illnesses recorded in parts of Ondo State to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions containing high concentrations of methanol. The agency said the outbreak, which began in early September, had affected 182 people and resulted in 48 confirmed deaths as of September 17, 2026.

The affected communities are mainly located in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. NAFDAC said Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu recorded the highest impact, while cases were also reported in Irele Local Government Area. Of the 182 affected people, 90 were admitted and later discharged, 31 received outpatient treatment and six remained hospitalised. Five people reportedly became totally blind, while two suffered partial blindness.

NAFDAC said it analysed 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected drinks using laboratory and chemical testing. Gas chromatography confirmed high concentrations of methanol, a highly toxic substance capable of causing severe poisoning, blindness, organ failure and death. The agency also reported that 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica. Further confirmatory testing is being conducted to determine the precise methanol concentrations and establish whether other toxic substances were present.

The agency said the affected individuals experienced symptoms including headaches, general weakness and body pain, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some cases deteriorating rapidly. NAFDAC also reported that acute oral toxicity testing produced significant toxic effects in laboratory animals, reinforcing concerns about the substances contained in the sampled drinks. However, the agency stressed that some of its laboratory findings remain preliminary while further analysis continues.

As part of the response, NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages. Surveillance, case management and risk-control measures are continuing in collaboration with public-health authorities. The agency has also warned the public against consuming unlicensed, unregistered or locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions when their contents and safety cannot be verified.