A major health crisis is unfolding in Ondo State as a suspected toxic alcohol outbreak has claimed the lives of 29 people across several communities in the Odigbo Local Government Area.

The deadly spike has triggered an urgent, high-level federal and international intervention, with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) deployed to investigate the disaster.

Out of 60 suspected cases recorded so far, the outbreak has registered a staggering 48.3% fatality rate. The vast majority of the victims are young to middle-aged males between the ages of 16 and 55.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo Ajaka, disclosed the figures during a press briefing over the weekend. He revealed that while 29 individuals have succumbed to the suspected poisoning, three patients are currently hospitalised, and 27 others remain under strict medical observation.

According to the Commissioner, the lethal cases were predominantly concentrated in specific hubs within the Odigbo area, including: New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita, Araromi Obu.

A fresh suspected case has also emerged in the Oniparaga community, which health officials have quickly placed under active surveillance to prevent further spread.

Faced with the rapidly rising body count, the Ondo State Government has activated a massive, coordinated emergency response. Led by the State Ministry of Health, the taskforce unites local government authorities, traditional rulers, and Nigeria’s top security and regulatory bodies.

The Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), NAFDAC, and the NDLEA are working alongside the WHO to locate the source of the contaminated substance.

“The response has included the deployment of the State Rapid Response Team to the affected communities, active and retrospective case finding, epidemiological investigation and line-listing, verbal autopsy of selected deceased persons, clinical management and referral of surviving patients,” Commissioner Ajaka stated.

Authorities are treating the situation as a matter of urgent public safety, with security agencies tracking illicit alcohol supply chains in the state to prevent further casualties.