MONKEY TAIL: 'If God saves me, I’ll never drink again’ — Ondo toxic drink survivor

A 32-year-old survivor of the suspected toxic herbal drink tragedy in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has vowed never to consume alcohol again if he survives the ordeal.

The survivor, Shola Adebayo, said he lost his sight after taking two shots of a locally made alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail”.

Adebayo spoke as the death toll from the suspected consumption of adulterated locally made alcoholic drinks continued to rise, with more than 30 people reportedly dead and over 50 others hospitalised in Odigbo town, Newtown, Orita and Araromi-Obu.

“I took Monkey Tail. On Saturday, I discovered I couldn’t see very well, so I called my sister and I was taken to the hospital. I’m getting better, but I’m praying for my eyes.

“If God saves me, I swear I will never take any drinks again. Even beer, I won’t take,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Adegoroye Taiwo, confirmed that a suspected seller of the toxic drink had been arrested and handed over to the police in Akure.

He said investigations were ongoing to determine the source and composition of the substance.

According to Adegoroye, preliminary findings by medical experts and toxicologists linked the deaths to the consumption of adulterated locally made alcoholic drinks.

He said the state government deployed a medical team to the area after he alerted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The team, he added, included officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The council has subsequently banned the sale and consumption of locally made alcoholic drinks in the affected area and directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute violators.

Adegoroye said drinks locally known as “Jeji” and “Ere”, as well as unapproved products containing substances such as ogogoro and ethanol, were among those being investigated.

He said earlier reports indicated about 27 deaths and 30 hospitalisations, but added that the medical team would release the official figures after completing its assessment.

A relative of some of the victims, Adebayo Adetayo Adedeji, said three young men, including his cousin and two friends, died after consuming the drinks.

He identified them as Leo, Bidemi and Matthew.

He said Bidemi’s death was particularly shocking because he was not known to have any underlying illness before he suddenly complained of dizziness and died.

The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Dr Rufus Akinrimade, also dismissed claims that the deaths were caused by a cultural taboo.

The monarch said investigations pointed to the consumption of locally made alcoholic substances as the cause of the deaths.

He urged residents, particularly youths, to be cautious about what they consume and to verify the source of drinks and other substances.

Health authorities are continuing investigations into the tragedy.