Nearly 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking suspected methanol-tainted alcohol
At least 48 people have died and around 100 are being treated in southern Nigeria after drinking a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol. Fifteen people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
At least 48 people have died and roughly 100 others are receiving medical treatment in southern Nigeria's Ondo state after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink believed to contain methanol, state health commissioner Banji Ajaka said on Thursday.
The cases were reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, with a total of 182 people believed to have been affected, some of whom remain hospitalized.
32-year-old Sola Adebayo described his experience to local channel TVC News from a hospital bed, saying he had a couple of drinks on Friday and by Saturday had lost his sight.
Locally brewed alcohol is widely consumed in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, particularly in rural areas where it is cheaper and largely unregulated. Ajaka said the effects can set in quickly, depending on the amount consumed, damaging the kidneys, eyes and brain.
Ondo state police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said 15 people have been arrested over the incident, including one person allegedly involved in producing substances suspected to contain methanol, who is now assisting investigators.
Residents told reporters they suspect the deaths are linked to a popular high-alcohol herbal drink known as "Monkey Tail," which may have been mixed with methanol. A trader who sells the drink, speaking anonymously for fear of arrest, said two versions exist — a genuine, safe one and an unsafe counterfeit.
Local media reported the first death occurred nearly two weeks ago. Nigeria's food and drug regulator is now enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, saying they are too easily accessible to children and young people.
