Ondo Herbal Poisoning: NAFDAC Identifies Methanol, Cannabis In Drinks That Killed 48, Sent Over 90 To Hospital
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State.
The agency also disclosed that seven people had been rendered blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.
NAFDAC made this known in an update issued on Friday and signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, on the mass illnesses and deaths recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with the highest impact recorded in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu.
“Disturbingly, 5 persons have been rendered totally blind and 2 partially blind,” the agency said.
NAFDAC said 90 of the affected persons were admitted and subsequently discharged, 31 were treated as outpatients, while six remained hospitalised.
It said the clinical symptoms reported included “headache, generalised body weakness and pain, visual disturbances, difficulty in breathing, and altered consciousness,” adding that some cases deteriorated rapidly.
