At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, authorities say

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Ondo Doctors Urge Crackdown on Fake Drinks After 48 Deaths

   Medical professionals in Ondo State, Nigeria, are calling for stricter regulatory inspections and the prosecution of individuals manufacturing counterfeit beverages. The demand follows a severe poisoning outbreak in September caused by a locally brewed alcohol known as monkey tail, which was suspected to contain methanol. The incident resulted in at least 48 fatalities and sickened 182 people, leaving seven survivors blind and roughly 100 individuals receiving ongoing medical treatment. Authorities continue to face scrutiny over the safety of local alcohol production and herbal concoctions following the disaster.

   Why it matters

   The proliferation of counterfeit drinks poses a significant public health threat across Nigeria, putting millions of consumers at risk without their knowledge. Local medical associations warn that young people are developing severe liver and kidney conditions due to unregulated products. This ongoing crisis has forced regulatory bodies to reexamine oversight of local brewing and traditional mixtures.

   What is confirmed

   • The Nigerian Medical Association in Ondo State urged regulators to intensify inspections and prosecute those responsible for counterfeit beverages on Monday, October 26.
   • Counterfeit drinks are causing numerous deaths and putting millions of Nigerians at risk.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Young people in Nigeria are developing serious liver and kidney conditions due to counterfeit beverages.

   What to watch next

   • Regulatory actions or policy changes regarding local alcohol production in Nigeria
   • Prosecutions related to the September methanol poisoning outbreak
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. drinkabl.media — Ondo Doctors Seek Crackdown on Fake Drinks After 48 Deaths
   2. eventsnigeria.com — Counterfeit Drinks Killing Nigerians: What Needs to Change…
   3. ny1.com — 5-year-old girl found dead in Queens home, police say
   4. nigeria.appliedworldwide.com — How Fake Drinks and Fake Drugs Are Quietly Putting Nigerians ...
   confidence 90%
2. 8d ago

   Nigeria methanol poisoning death toll at 48

   At least 48 people have died and 182 fallen ill in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a locally brewed alcohol called "monkey tail" suspected to contain methanol. Seven survivors lost their sight, and around 100 individuals are receiving medical care. The incident has prompted regulators to investigate local alcohol production and herbal concoctions.

   Why it matters

   The methanol poisoning incident in Nigeria highlights the risks associated with unregulated local alcohol production. The "monkey tail" drink is a locally brewed alcohol that is popular in some parts of the country. Authorities are working to determine the source of the methanol and prevent further incidents. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of local alcohol production and the need for stricter regulations.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people have died and 182 fallen ill in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a locally brewed alcohol called "monkey tail" suspected to contain methanol.
   • Seven survivors lost their sight, and around 100 individuals are receiving medical care.
   • The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Fatima Ibrahim, following the death of her six-year-old stepson, Mubarak Ibrahim.

   What to watch next

   • Further investigation into the source of the methanol in the "monkey tail" drink
   • Regulatory actions against local alcohol producers
   • Development of stricter regulations on local alcohol production
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. newtelegraphng.com — Six-Year-Old Boy Dies After Allegedly Drinking Beverage From ...
   2. promptnewsonline.com — Police arrest stepmother after six-year-old boy dies ...
   confidence 90%
3. 11d ago

   Nigeria methanol poisoning death toll rises to 48

   At least 48 people have died and 182 fallen ill in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a locally brewed alcohol called "monkey tail" suspected to contain methanol. Seven survivors lost their sight, and around 100 individuals are receiving medical care. The incident has prompted regulators to investigate local alcohol production and herbal concoctions.

   Why it matters

   The methanol poisoning tragedy in Nigeria highlights the risks of unregulated alcohol production and the need for stricter regulations. Rising levels of harmful drinking pose a threat to public health in Nigeria, potentially undermining healthcare system reforms. Effective measures, such as better enforcement and higher taxes, are required to tackle this problem.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people died and 182 fell ill after consuming toxic beverages in Ondo State, Nigeria.
   • Seven survivors lost their sight.
   • Approximately 100 individuals are currently receiving medical care.
   • The suspected cause of death of a NYSC member, Etimbuk Daniel, was acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock.

   What to watch next

   • Further investigation into local alcohol production and herbal concoctions
   • Implementation of stricter regulations and measures to tackle harmful drinking
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.bbc.com — NYSC member dead in Enugu: Nafdac say Etimbuk Daniel die of ...
   2. www.dandc.eu — Why alcohol is a threat to public health in Nigeria - dandc.eu
   confidence 100%
4. 14d ago

   Ondo State Poisoning Toll Rises to 182 Illnesses and 48 Deaths

   At least 48 people died and 182 fell ill after consuming toxic beverages in Ondo State, Nigeria. Victims drank a locally brewed, unlabelled alcohol called monkey tail suspected of containing methanol. Seven survivors lost their sight, and approximately 100 individuals are currently receiving medical care. The tragedy centered in the community of Araromi-Obu has prompted regulators to investigate local alcohol production and the safety of herbal concoctions to prevent further public health risks.

   Why it matters

   Local alcohol production in the region often lacks regulatory oversight. This incident highlights the danger of unlabelled brews and herbal mixtures. Authorities are now scrutinizing beverage safety standards across the state.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people died after consuming toxic drinks in Ondo State.
   • Approximately 100 individuals are receiving medical care for suspected poisoning.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Seven people lost their sight following the consumption of the drink.
   • The total number of reported illnesses has reached 182.

   What to watch next

   • Official laboratory results confirming the presence of methanol in monkey tail.
   • Government regulatory actions regarding the production of unlabelled local alcohol in Ondo State.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. theabujatimes.com — The Hidden Dangers in Our Beverages: A Wake-Up Call for ...
   2. economictimes.indiatimes.com — methanol: Latest News & Videos, Photos about methanol | The ...
   3. www.bbc.com — Ondo State herbal drink poisoning: 'We bin tink say na just ...
   confidence 80%
5. 17d ago

   Methanol poisoning in Ondo State kills at least 48

   At least 48 people died and seven lost their sight after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Ondo State. Approximately 100 individuals are receiving medical care for suspected poisoning. The deaths are linked to an unlabelled, locally brewed beverage called monkey tail. Regulators are investigating the drink to determine the cause of the fatalities and address public health risks associated with local alcohol production in the region.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights a lack of regulation and safety oversight for artisanal alcohol brewing. Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause permanent blindness or death if ingested.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people died after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Ondo State.
   • Seven individuals were left blind following the consumption of the drinks.
   • Around 100 people are receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning.
   • The beverage involved is an unlabelled, locally brewed drink known as monkey tail.

   What to watch next

   • Official laboratory results confirming the methanol concentration in monkey tail samples
   • Government announcements regarding new regulations for local alcohol production in Ondo State
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — LEAST | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. www.dictionary.com — LEAST Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
   3. dictionary.cambridge.org — LEAST | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
   4. www.vocabulary.com — Least - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
   5. lingoharvest.com — Less, Least, Fewer, Fewest: How to Use Them Correctly
   6. en.wiktionary.org — least - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
   confidence 100%
6. 22d ago

   Methanol Poisoning Kills 48 in Nigeria

   At least 48 people are dead and seven individuals have been left blind after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Ondo State communities. Around 100 people are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning. The incident involves an unlabelled and locally brewed beverage commonly known as monkey tail. Authorities and regulators continue investigating the beverage following the fatalities, which have sparked widespread grief and fear while highlighting severe public health concerns regarding the regulation and safety of local alcohol production in the region.

   Why it matters

   The consumption of unlabelled and locally brewed beverages poses severe public health risks in parts of Nigeria. Incidents involving contaminated alcohol frequently trigger regulatory scrutiny over informal brewing practices and safety oversight. Local communities face ongoing grief and fear as health authorities respond to mass poisonings linked to these unregulated products.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people are dead after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Ondo State communities.
   • Seven individuals have been left blind following the consumption of the suspected beverage.
   • Around 100 people are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning.
   • The drink involved is an unlabelled and locally brewed beverage commonly known as monkey tail.

   What to watch next

   • Further official findings from authorities and regulators investigating the unlabelled and locally brewed beverage.
   • Updates on the medical status of the approximately 100 people receiving treatment for suspected methanol poisoning.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.wionews.com — Nigeria News - Latest Nigeria News, Breaking Nigeria ... - WION
   2. economictimes.indiatimes.com — plastic ban: Latest News & Videos, Photos about plastic ban ...
   3. alpha.japantimes.co.jp — Science & Health アーカイブ | The Japan Times Alpha オンライン
   4. www.newsday.com — Audio - Newsday
   confidence 100%
7. 24d ago

   Methanol Contamination in Nigeria Kills 48

   At least 48 people are dead and seven individuals have been left blind after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Ondo State communities, sparking widespread grief and fear. Around 100 people are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning. Authorities and regulators continue investigating the unlabelled and locally brewed beverage, commonly known as monkey tail, which has raised severe public health concerns regarding the regulation and safety of local alcohol production in the region.

   Why it matters

   The incident exposes persistent safety hazards within the unregulated local alcohol sector in Nigeria. National regulators have stepped up scrutiny following the contamination of unlabelled products.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people have died in Ondo State after consuming alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol.
   • Seven individuals have been left blind following the consumption of the tainted drinks in Ondo communities.
   • Nigeria's regulator NAFDAC linked the deaths to methanol in unlabelled drinks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Around 100 individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning in Ondo State.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from the ongoing regulatory investigation into the tainted supply chain.
   • Updates on the medical status of the approximately 100 individuals receiving treatment.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.scmp.com — Africa: Latest News and Updates | South China Morning Post
   2. www.theepochtimes.com — Africa news | Latest breaking news, and Analysis| The Epoch ...
   3. ekohotblog.com — Killer Drink Leaves 48 Dead, Seven Blind in Ondo Communities
   4. drinkabl.media — Drinkabl Weekly
   confidence 100%
8. 30d ago

   Methanol Poisoning From Local Drink Kills 48 in Nigeria

   Officials state that at least 48 people have died in southern Nigeria after drinking a locally brewed alcoholic beverage suspected of containing methanol. Around 100 individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning in Ondo State. The tragedy highlights the severe risks of unregulated local alcohol production and consumption in the region. Authorities continue their investigation into the tainted supply of the drink, known as monkey tail, as the death toll and number of affected patients remain a major public health concern.

   Why it matters

   The incident centers on an unlabelled local drink called monkey tail that laboratory tests previously linked to high concentrations of methanol. Consumption of unregulated local brews poses persistent dangers in parts of Nigeria, where oversight of homemade concoctions is limited. The involvement of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control underscores the widespread danger of adulterated alcohol.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people have died in southern Nigeria after consuming a drink suspected to contain methanol.
   • About 100 people are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria's Ondo following the consumption of the suspected drink.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The unregulated herbal drink has been linked to 49 deaths in Ondo State.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on the final death toll and the condition of patients receiving medical treatment.
   • Further details from officials regarding the production and distribution network of the tainted drink.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. baynews9.com — Two Hernando County deputies hospitalized after shooting; suspect faces multiple charges
   2. dailypioneer.com — At least 48 dead in Nigeria after suspected methanol poisoning
   3. ground.news — Unregulated Herbal Drink Linked to 49 Deaths in Ondo State
   confidence 100%
9. 32d ago

   Methanol Poisoning in Nigeria Kills 48

   At least 48 people have died and 182 individuals are affected in Ondo State, Nigeria, following the consumption of a tainted local drink called monkey tail. Laboratory testing conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control confirmed high concentrations of methanol in the unlabelled samples. Around one hundred people are currently receiving medical treatment for suspected methanol poisoning. Police have arrested fifteen individuals in connection with the deadly concoction as investigations into the production of the unsafe beverage continue.

   Why it matters

   The mass poisoning highlights the severe regulatory blind spots inherent in informal alcohol markets where drinks lack named makers, batches, or labels. The tragedy prompted international governments to issue travel warnings cautioning citizens against purchasing unregulated local alcohol in Nigeria.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 48 people have died in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage contaminated with methanol.
   • The NMA-NAFDAC Liaison Committee confirmed that high concentrations of methanol and cannabis indica were found in samples collected from Odigbo, Irele and surrounding local government areas.
   • Police have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the deadly concoction.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates from the ongoing police investigation into the production and distribution network of the unsafe drink.
   • Official health updates regarding the approximately 100 people receiving medical treatment.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. nbtlive.ng — Ondo alcohol poisoning: 48 dead, 182 affected as panel ...
   2. drinkabl.media — Nigerian Regulator Finds Methanol in Drinks After 48 Deaths
   3. economictimes.indiatimes.com — sola: Latest News & Videos, Photos about sola | The Economic ...
   confidence 100%
10. 34d ago

    Methanol Poisoning Kills 48 in Nigeria After Contaminated Drink Outbreak

    At least 48 people have died in Ondo State, Nigeria, after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage contaminated with methanol. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control confirmed that the toxic substance was present in a local concoction known as monkey tail. The tragedy has affected 182 individuals overall, with approximately 100 people receiving medical treatment. Official arrests have followed the incident, and international governments have responded by issuing travel warnings advising citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding unregulated and adulterated local alcohol purchases in the country.

    Why it matters

    The mass poisoning highlights the severe public health risks associated with unregulated, locally produced alcohol and herbal concoctions in Nigeria. Regional authorities and health agencies formed a liaison committee to investigate the source of the methanol contamination. The high fatality rate prompted foreign governments, including Canada, to update their travel advisories to alert citizens about the lethal tainted drinks.

    What is confirmed

    • At least 48 people died in southern Nigeria after consuming locally brewed alcohol suspected of containing methanol.
    • The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control confirmed the deaths occurred in Ondo State.
    • Canada updated its travel advisory to warn citizens about unregulated and adulterated alcohol in Nigeria.
    • The NMA-NAFDAC Liaison Committee confirmed that a high concentration of methanol in a local concoction known as monkey tail caused the tragedy.
    • A total of 182 people were affected by the poisoning.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Some reports place the death toll at 49.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the investigation into the specific source of the methanol contamination
    • Updates on the medical status of the approximately 100 people receiving treatment
    • Further official actions and arrests related to the manufacture and distribution of the toxic monkey tail drink
    Sources used for this update (7)

    1. www.wionews.com — At least 48 dead in Nigeria after drinking suspected methanol ...
    2. africa.businessinsider.com — Canada joins UK, Australia in warning their citizens over ...
    3. www.ctvnews.ca — Nigeria alcohol: Canada issues warning after multiple deaths
    4. www.pulse.ng — Canada Issues Nigeria Travel Advisory After Methanol Deaths ...
    5. news.broadcastmediaafrica.com — BMA Feature: Methanol Poisoning Clocks At Least 48 Dead In ...
    6. dailypost.ng — Ondo alcohol poisoning: 48 dead, 182 affected as panel ...
    7. newtelegraphng.com — Canada Warns Citizens Against Killer 'Monkey Tail' In Nigeria
    confidence 95%
11. 45d ago

    At least 48 dead in Nigeria from methanol-tainted drink

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reports at least 48 deaths in Ondo State after people consumed a local herbal concoction suspected to contain methanol. Some reports place the death toll at 49. In addition to the fatalities, 182 people were affected, with around 100 currently receiving medical treatment in southern Nigeria. The toxic brew is identified as a drink called Monkey Tail. Authorities are investigating the source of the contamination that led to the mass poisoning.

    Why it matters

    Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness or death if ingested. The consumption of unregulated local brews poses a recurring public health risk in various regions of Nigeria.

    What is confirmed

    • The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reported 48 deaths linked to a suspected methanol-tainted drink.
    • The poisoning occurred in Ondo State in southern Nigeria.
    • Approximately 100 people are receiving treatment for the poisoning.
    • The drink involved is a local herbal concoction.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The death toll has risen to 49.
    • The specific drink responsible is called Monkey Tail.
    • A total of 182 people were affected by the consumption of the drink.

    What to watch next

    • Official confirmation of the final death toll
    • Identification of the producers or distributors of the Monkey Tail drink
    • NAFDAC reports on the specific source of the methanol contamination
    Sources used for this update (8)

    1. AP News — At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, authorities say
    2. The Guardian — Almost 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking alcohol suspected to contain methanol
    3. Firstpost — 'One Sip Destroys Life': Nigeria’s ‘Monkey Tail’ Drink Leaves at Least 49 Dead | Firstpost Africa
    4. medpagetoday.com — 48 Deaths Linked to Local Brew; Lancet Staff Strike; RFK Jr. Targets 5G Radiation
    5. kiprinform.com — Suspected Methanol Poisoning Death Toll in Ondo Rises to 49
    6. www.ntd.com — At Least 48 Dead in Nigeria After Consuming Drink Suspected to Contain Methanol, Authorities Say
    7. ait.live — Methanol Detected In Concoction That Killed 48 People In Ondo State
    8. therealmediang.com — Toxic Local Herbal Concoction Claims 48 Lives in Ondo — NAFDAC
    confidence 90%