News · Michael Teye Amartey

Almost 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking alcohol suspected to contain methanol.

At least 48 people have died and about 100 others are receiving treatment in S outhern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic concoction suspected to contain methanol.

Ondo state’s C ommissioner for health, Banji Ajaka, said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. 

He added that a total of one hundred and 82 people believed to have been affected and some are being treated in the hospital.

Drinking locally made alcohol is common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, especially in rural areas where it is more affordable and poorly regulated.

Ondo state police spokesperson , Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement, that 15 people were arrested in connection with the incident, including one allegedly involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the police with investigations.

Locals said they suspected a popular herbal drink with high alcohol content, known as “Monkey Tail,” was mixed with methanol, causing the deaths.

A trader who sells the concoction in Odigbo, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested, said there are two versions of Monkey Tail , a n original, safe version, and another version which is unsafe.

Local media reports said the first death was reported nearly two weeks ago. Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is now enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol in sachets and small plastic containers, which it said are easily accessible to children and young people.