The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, the producer of the herbal liquid substance which reportedly killed 49 people in the state.
The deaths are part of a health crisis linked to the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink, which has affected about 170 people across Odigbo and Irele local government areas. Eight deaths have so far been recorded in Irele.
The command also arrested 14 other individuals for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and was assisting investigators with information.
He said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish the substances involved.
The outbreak was initially recorded in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area before spreading to Irele Local Government Area.
Also Read: 24 die after consuming herbal substance in Ondo
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development, saying the number of affected people had risen to about 170, including those receiving treatment and those who had died.
“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” Ajaka said.
The commissioner linked the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by victims and said medical teams had been deployed to the affected communities.
Ajaka said the state government had intensified efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to other local government areas.
The police said the situation had been brought under control following coordinated security, medical and investigative interventions.
The command added that the remains of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued. It assured the public that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
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