The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 29 people following the suspected consumption of contaminated alcoholic beverages in Araromi-Obu and other communities in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, disclosed that 60 cases have so far been recorded.

According to him, three victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others are under medical observation.

The commissioner said about 95 per cent of those affected are males aged between 16 and 55, with cases reported in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.

The victims reportedly experienced symptoms including severe headaches, body pain, weakness, impaired vision, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.

Some of those affected allegedly deteriorated rapidly and died within hours of developing symptoms.

Awolowo-Ajaka said the pattern of illness and reported exposure have raised strong suspicions that the victims may have consumed a toxic alcoholic substance.

However, he stressed that laboratory evidence confirming the exact cause of the deaths is yet to be obtained.

He disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples have been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic beverages have also been submitted for toxicological investigation.

As part of measures to contain the situation, the state government has temporarily banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected communities.

Several individuals suspected of selling the substance have also been arrested.

The government has urged residents to avoid alcoholic drinks from unlicensed sources and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.