Ondo govt warns against herbal concoctions as reported deaths in Odigbo rise
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Government has warned residents against the consumption of uncertified herbal drinks, concoctions and other unapproved substances following a reported incident in Odigbo Local Government Area that has allegedly claimed the lives of some residents.
The government, which expressed concern over the incident, said it had commenced investigations to determine the actual cause of the deaths, urging residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating panic.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, stressing that the safety and wellbeing of residents remained a major priority of the administration.
Ajanaku urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution and avoid consuming substances of doubtful origin, particularly products that have not been certified safe for human consumption by relevant regulatory authorities.
He also warned producers, vendors and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately stop the production, sale and distribution of such products, noting that the practice posed serious risks to public health and could attract sanctions under existing laws.
The commissioner said the warning became necessary following the reported deaths in Odigbo, where concerns had been raised over the possible consumption of unapproved substances.
He, however, stressed that the government was yet to establish the actual cause of the deaths, as relevant agencies were working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The government is currently investigating the Odigbo incident to establish the actual cause of the deaths,” Ajanaku said, assuring residents that necessary steps were being taken to safeguard public health.
He appealed to residents, particularly youths, to shun drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
According to him, medicines and other consumable products should only be obtained from authorised and regulated outlets, while residents should seek professional medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.
Ajanaku further urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
He commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt intervention and efforts to respond to the situation and protect the lives and wellbeing of residents.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s determination to take appropriate measures, within the ambit of the law, to protect citizens from substances capable of endangering public health.
He said the government’s intervention was also aimed at preventing a recurrence of similar incidents across the state.
Ajanaku called for collective vigilance and cooperation from residents, saying the responsibility of protecting lives and building a safe and healthy society could not be left to government alone.
He therefore urged residents to patronise only approved medicines and consumable products, warning that the consequences of consuming substances whose contents and sources were unknown could be dangerous.
The commissioner assured the people that the government would provide further information as investigations into the Odigbo incident progress.
