Around 49 people have died following a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in southern Nigeria's Ondo state, renewing concerns of the serious risks posed by unregulated alcohol, consumed in many parts of the country due to its low cost and accessibility.
Around 49 people have died in a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State, southern Nigeria. The deaths have renewed concerns about the dangers of unregulated alcoholic drinks, which are popular in some parts of Nigeria because they are cheap and easily accessible, but often have unknown ingredients, sources, and production methods.
The health emergency was first reported on 5 September with authorities claiming 29 people had died within the first week of consuming the alcohol. Since then, the death toll has climbed to 49, with around 100 others hospitalised, Ondo health commissioner Banji Ajaka confirmed on Friday.
Officials believe the deaths are traceable to two traditional ceremonies in the Odigbo district, where attendees consumed a popular gin-based drink known as 'Monkey Tail' that had been laced with methanol.
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