Suspected alcohol poisoning in Nigeria's Ondo State kills at least 49 people

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Published: 2026-09-19T11:26:16.355Z • Permanent link

Nigeria's Ondo State has been shaken by a devastating tragedy, as at least 49 people have lost their lives and 100 others have been injured after consuming a locally brewed herbal drink suspected to contain methanol. The victims, mostly young men, were reported to have consumed 'Monkey Shoulder', a popular herbal drink in the region, which is believed to have been contaminated with the toxic substance. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, but so far, no specific details about the source of the contamination or the company responsible for the product have been disclosed.

Local authorities have confirmed that the victims were all from the same region, and that the incident occurred at a popular gathering spot, where the drink was being sold to patrons. The incident has raised concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight in the production and distribution of herbal drinks in Nigeria, which are often sold without proper labeling or quality control. The Nigerian government has issued a statement assuring the public that it is taking steps to investigate the incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) have expressed concern about the potential for methanol poisoning in Nigeria, where the substance is often used as an ingredient in homemade alcoholic drinks. The WHO has warned that methanol can cause severe health problems, including blindness, kidney failure, and even death. The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in spreading information and mobilizing action, as many of the victims' families have taken to social media to demand justice and compensation.

The incident in Ondo State has significant implications for companies that produce and distribute herbal drinks in Nigeria. Many of these companies have been criticized for their lack of transparency and accountability, and the incident has highlighted the need for greater regulation and oversight in the industry. Research communities and policymakers have also been affected, as the incident has raised concerns about the potential for methanol poisoning in Nigeria and the need for better safety standards in the production and distribution of herbal drinks.

Furthermore, the incident has significant implications for markets and consumers in Nigeria, where herbal drinks are a popular alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and quality of these drinks, and has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. Companies that fail to take steps to address these concerns risk losing customer trust and damaging their reputation.

The incident in Ondo State is part of a larger pattern of public health concerns in Nigeria, where the government has struggled to address issues related to food safety, water quality, and environmental pollution. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of food poisoning and water contamination, which have highlighted the need for greater investment in public health infrastructure and regulatory oversight. Competing approaches to addressing these issues, such as the use of technology and data analytics, have also been highlighted, as researchers and policymakers seek to find new ways to improve public health outcomes in the country.