The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has linked a deadly outbreak in Ondo State to methanol intoxication from locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks.
NAFDAC said laboratory analysis of samples collected from affected communities found high concentrations of methanol, a toxic substance capable of causing blindness, organ failure and death.
The agency said 11 of 15 samples also tested positive for Cannabis indica.
As of September 17, 2026, NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded, including 48 deaths.
The affected communities are in Odigbo Local Government Area and include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.
The agency said 90 affected persons had been admitted and discharged, six remained hospitalized, 31 were treated as outpatients, five had become totally blind and two partially blind.
Reported symptoms included headache, generalised weakness and pain, visual disturbances, breathing difficulty and altered consciousness.
NAFDAC said acute oral-toxicity tests conducted on the samples caused severe illness in laboratory mice, with approximately 50 per cent mortality in six of the 15 samples.
Gas Chromatography analysis subsequently confirmed high methanol concentrations.
The agency said further testing was continuing to quantify the methanol levels and identify any other toxic substances.
NAFDAC warned that methanol in oral preparations was extremely dangerous and could cause severe poisoning even in relatively small quantities.
The agency said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.
Those arrested remain entitled to due process, and criminal responsibility has not been determined by a court.
NAFDAC said the laboratory findings justified urgent regulatory and public-health intervention to prevent further exposure.
