NAFDAC Confirms 48 Deaths From Toxic Alcohol Outbreak In Ondo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that 48 people have died after consuming a locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoction linked to a mass poisoning outbreak in Ondo State. In an update released on Saturday, NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.

The outbreak has affected several communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Oria Otigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. The highest number of cases was reported in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu.

Casualties and hospital admissions

NAFDAC said the outbreak has produced a high fatality rate, while several others suffered severe health complications. It added that 90 affected persons were admitted to hospitals and later discharged, while 31 others were treated as outpatients. Six people remain hospitalised.

The agency also disclosed that the poisoning left some victims with permanent health complications. "Disturbingly, 5 persons have been rendered totally blind and 2 partially blind."

Methanol detected in samples

Preliminary laboratory investigations point to dangerous levels of toxic substances in the suspected alcoholic concoctions consumed by victims, NAFDAC said. Fifteen unlabeled samples were subjected to acute oral toxicity testing, chemical analysis using gas chromatography and microbiological examinations.

"Preliminary findings are gravely concerning: 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for cannabis indica, and gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol, a highly toxic substance that causes blindness, organ failure, and death."

NAFDAC further revealed that acute oral toxicity tests recorded approximately 50% mortality among laboratory mice exposed to six of the samples analyzed. It said confirmatory analyses are ongoing to determine the exact methanol concentration and identify any additional toxic agents that may have contributed to the outbreak.

Arrests and wider spread

As part of its regulatory and enforcement response, NAFDAC disclosed that 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated alcoholic beverages. Surveillance activities, case management and risk-control measures are ongoing in collaboration with relevant public health authorities.

NAFDAC also noted that the outbreak has spread beyond Odigbo Local Government Area into parts of Ile-Oluji Local Government Area, with investigations continuing.

Regulator warns public

The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing or consuming unlicensed, unregistered or locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions of unknown composition.

"The Agency strongly warns the public against the purchase or consumption of unlicensed, unregistered and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition."

NAFDAC advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as visual disturbances, severe headaches, difficulty breathing or altered consciousness after consuming alcoholic beverages or herbal mixtures to seek immediate medical attention.

The latest incident comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. NAFDAC recently intensified enforcement actions against unsafe alcohol products and has continued its nationwide campaign against the production and sale of unregulated alcoholic drinks.

NAFDAC has commenced a nationwide mop-up operation targeting alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres, in line with the Federal Government's ban on such products. The agency urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and transporters to voluntarily surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products as part of efforts to improve public safety and reduce alcohol-related health risks.

What it means

For Nigerian businesses and consumers, the outbreak reinforces the regulatory risk around unregistered alcoholic and herbal drinks. NAFDAC's mop-up and enforcement actions could tighten supply and raise compliance costs for producers, distributors and retailers, especially those handling sachet and small PET-bottle products below 200ml.