At least 24 people have reportedly died following a suspected poisoning incident in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has triggered concern among residents, with several other people said to have been hospitalised after falling ill.
The deaths were reported in Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo communities, where authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development but said investigations were ongoing to determine the actual cause of the deaths.
Ajaka said the suspected victims may have consumed poisonous substances contained in sachet herbal preparations, although he did not identify any particular substance as responsible for the reported deaths.
He explained that health officials were assessing the situation and would provide further information after the investigation had established what caused the deaths.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, also confirmed the incident, saying he was unable to give further details until medical experts had visited the affected communities and conducted the necessary assessments.
Adegoroye disclosed that the council had taken precautionary steps, including restrictions on the sale and consumption of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, health officials are expected to conduct medical examinations and laboratory tests to establish the precise cause of the deaths and determine whether poisoning was responsible.
Residents have consequently been advised to exercise caution and refrain from consuming questionable herbal mixtures or unverified sachet products while investigations continue.