The Ondo government says the health crisis linked to suspected toxic alcoholic substances has spread to Irele council area. Health commissioner Banji Ajaka disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday.

Mr Ajaka said eight people had died in Irele, bringing the total number of people affected across the areas to about 170.

“As of now, Irele Local Government Area is where we have a serious issue. Our people are there, and many people have died.

“About eight people have been recorded as having died as of last night. So, all the people that have been affected altogether now are about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died,” he said.

Mr Ajaka had earlier confirmed 29 deaths in communities within Odigbo council area during a news conference. He said many other affected residents were receiving treatment in hospitals following consumption of the suspected toxic alcoholic substances.

The commissioner reiterated that ethanol consumption was responsible for the health crisis, adding that the government was taking proactive measures. He said the measures aimed to prevent the crisis from spreading to other local government areas across the state.

Mr Ajaka said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities where reports of the crisis emerged.

He added that response teams had moved to Irele to assess the situation and provide necessary medical interventions.

“We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue. Our teams are already in Irele as I am talking to you now,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming substances suspected to be harmful to their health. He said the government would continue its efforts to contain the crisis and prevent further deaths.

The government has banned the sale of unverified alcoholic drinks across Ondo.

(NAN)