Technology and Science · updated 3h ago · 2 min read
NAFDAC Says Methanol-Tainted Monkey Tail Kills 48 in Ondo State, Arrests 15
At least 48 people killed and 182 affected in Ondo State from methanol-tainted drink. Cases reported in Odigbo and Irele LGAs; 15 arrests connected to the beverage.
18 outlets, one story, no spin found.
6 of 7 outlets skipped it: NAFDAC mentions OECD-guideline acute oral toxicity tests on laboratory mice.
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The Guardian Nigeria News stresses NAFDAC’s findings are preliminary, while Source: https (West Asian) presents lab methanol detection as definitive.
Methanol drink kills 48
Nigeria’s food and drug regulator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), confirmed that “48 deaths and 182 cases have been recorded” after victims consumed locally brewed “Monkey Tail” in three districts of the southwestern Ondo state.
“48 deaths and 182 cases have been recorded”
NAFDAC said laboratory tests showed the presence of “high concentrations of methanol” in samples of the suspected concoction, and it also reported “five people had been made totally blind and two partially lost their sight.”
The deaths occurred after people bought and consumed locally prepared “alcoholic and herbal concoctions,” with the first cases reported at the beginning of September and the toll rising since then.
NAFDAC said authorities arrested 15 people in connection with production and sale of the drink, as the investigation focused on what was consumed and how it was made.
Ondo toll rises to 49
In Ondo state, Health Commissioner Banji Ajaaka said on Friday that at least 49 people had died and 182 others were hospitalized after suspected methanol poisoning from locally made alcoholic beverages.
Ajaaka said the health emergency was first reported on September 5, when authorities said 29 people died in the first week, and he explained that the number of deaths had risen to 49 by Friday.
He described a rapid onset of symptoms and said: “This happened quickly; depending on the amount, the kidneys stop working, vision is lost, and the brain is damaged after consuming the drink.”
While authorities suspected methanol poisoning from “monkey tail,” Ajaaka said laboratory tests had not yet confirmed this, and he added that police announced the arrest of a suspect in the case.
Arrests, testing, and risk
NAFDAC said it had preliminary laboratory findings indicating high concentrations of toxic methanol in samples of the suspected locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions, while also reporting that “15 people had so far been arrested” as investigations continued.
“15 people had so far been arrested”
The agency said samples underwent toxicological studies and that chemical screening detected Cannabis in 11 samples, while gas chromatography confirmed “the presence of high concentrations of methanol.”
NAFDAC also reported that the incident affected residents of Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga in Odigbo Local Government Area, and it listed Irele Local Government Area among the affected locations.
In parallel, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol in sachets and small plastic containers, which it said are easily accessible to children and young people.