At least 24 persons have been reported dead* in Odigbo town, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, after allegedly drinking a substance suspected to be _‘Monkey Tail’_, a locally distilled alcohol.
The incident occurred between *September 3 and 7, 2026*. Several other victims are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities in the town, with some said to be fighting for survival.
Sources in the community said the victims began showing signs of distress shortly after consuming the drink, before later collapsing and dying.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka*, said investigations were still ongoing to determine the actual cause of the mass deaths. He assured that government medical teams have been deployed to support treatment and trace other possible victims.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid patronizing unregulated local brews pending the outcome of the investigation.
The tragedy has thrown Odigbo town into mourning as families and community leaders call for stricter regulation of locally distilled alcohol.