The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public health warning following laboratory tests confirming high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica in unregistered local alcoholic and herbal drinks linked to a fatal outbreak in Ondo State.
As of September 17, 2026, the toxic concoctions have claimed 48 lives, rendered 7 people blind (5 total, 2 partial), and caused 182 recorded illnesses across the region.
The outbreak originated in the Odigbo Local Government Area, affecting communities including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, and Oniparaga, and has since expanded into the Irele Local Government Area.
During laboratory analysis, NAFDAC tested 15 unlabelled samples using gas chromatography and acute oral toxicity testing, revealing that 11 of the samples contained Cannabis indica while chemical testing confirmed high levels of lethal methanol. Furthermore, acute toxicity tests conducted on laboratory mice resulted in a 50% mortality rate across six of the analyzed samples, underscoring the severe toxic potential of the concoctions.
Public health authorities have managed a total of 127 patients in response to the outbreak—discharging 90, treating 31 as outpatients, and keeping 6 currently hospitalized. Affected individuals presented with severe clinical symptoms, including intense headaches, generalized body pain, visual impairment, difficulty breathing, and altered consciousness.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, strongly urges the public to refrain from purchasing or consuming any unlicensed, unregistered, or locally mixed herbal and alcoholic drinks of unknown origin.
”Methanol is a highly toxic substance capable of causing rapid organ failure, irreversible blindness, and death,” the Agency stated. “Anyone who experiences sudden vision loss, severe headache, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness after consuming local concoctions must seek emergency medical care immediately.”
Prof. Adeyeye extended deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that NAFDAC, in coordination with law enforcement and health authorities, is taking all necessary regulatory actions to trace the supply chain and prevent further casualties.
