The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that locally prepared alcoholic and herbal drinks linked to a mass poisoning in Ondo State contained high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica.
According to NAFDAC, 48 people have died, while 182 cases of illness have been recorded as of September 17, 2026. Seven people have also suffered blindness, including five who became completely blind and two who were partially blinded.
The affected communities are located in Odigbo Local Government Area and include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu recorded the highest number of cases.
NAFDAC said 90 affected persons were admitted to hospitals and later discharged, 31 were treated as outpatients, while six remained hospitalised.
Reported symptoms included severe headaches, general weakness and body pain, visual problems, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some patients reportedly deteriorated rapidly.
The agency said the incident had also spread beyond Odigbo to Irele Local Government Area, while investigations and verification of the figures were still ongoing.
NAFDAC analysed 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected drinks using chemical, microbiological and toxicity tests. Eleven of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while gas chromatography confirmed high concentrations of methanol.
Methanol is a highly toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure and death when consumed.
NAFDAC also reported that laboratory tests on six of the samples resulted in approximately 50 per cent mortality among laboratory mice, indicating significant toxic potential. Further tests are being conducted to determine the exact methanol concentrations and identify any other toxic substances.
Meanwhile, 15 people have been arrested over the suspected production, sale and distribution of the contaminated drinks.
NAFDAC has warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed, unregistered or locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions whose contents are unknown.
The agency advised anyone who develops sudden visual problems, severe headaches, breathing difficulties or altered consciousness after consuming such products to seek immediate medical attention.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed condolences to the families of those who died and said the agency was taking necessary regulatory measures in response to the incident.
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