Ondo govt links naming ceremonies to 29 deaths from ” Monkey Tail” consumption

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By Dayo Johnson Akure

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The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people died from the consumption of local herbal alcoholic mixtures, commonly called “monkey tail” in Odigbo council area of the state.

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Health Commissioner, Dr Banji Ajaka, said weekend that there were 60 suspected cases linked to two naming ceremonies.

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He said the fatality rate stands at 48.3 percent, with 95 percent of victims being males between ages 16 and 55.

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“The current line list contains 60 suspected cases, of whom 29 have unfortunately died, 3 persons are on admission, while the remaining 27 are under observation,” he said.

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“This represents a provisional case-fatality ratio of approximately 48.3 percent.

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“The majority, 95%, of those affected are males, with ages ranging from 16 to 55 years.”

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The Commissioner said the cases were identified principally in New Town, Odole, Okele and Orita Odigbo in Odigbo Ward, and subsequently in Araromi Obu.

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“A further suspected case has been reported from Oniparaga and is under surveillance.

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Ajaka explained that the drink was not procured by the families that hosted the ceremonies.

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“The family that held the naming ceremony, the story is not that the baby was involved.

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” Somebody, not even the parents, procured this substance from somewhere and brought it for people to merry. That’s it, and from merry-making to the other side.”

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He said some victims died very fast: “It is a rapid thing. Some people died within two hours. At least, most of them died within 24 hours. It is as serious as that.”

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The Commissioner said the State Rapid Response Team has collected 36 biological specimens including blood and urine from affected persons.

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“Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances were also secured for toxicological investigation.

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“The laboratory and toxicological findings will be critical in determining the specific agent involved,” Ajaka said, adding that all cases remain classified as suspected until the toxic agent is confirmed.

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He said law-enforcement agencies have commenced investigations and several suspects have been taken into custody.

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“Anyone found to have deliberately produced, adulterated or distributed poisonous substances will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he warned.

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Ajaka said the state has activated a coordinated emergency response led by the Ministry of Health, with LG authorities, traditional institutions, and security and regulatory agencies.

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He urged residents to remain calm, avoid alcoholic substances from unlicensed sources, report suspicious products and illnesses, and seek medical attention immediately when symptoms occur.

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“We will ensure that the findings of the investigation are communicated transparently to the public as soon as they become available,” the Commissioner assured.

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