Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Suspected Methanol-Laced Drink Kills 48 in Southern Nigeria
At least 48 people in southern Nigeria died after drinking a locally made alcoholic beverage.
More than 100 others became sick and are receiving treatment.
Officials believe 182 people may have been affected altogether.
The cases happened in two areas of Ondo state called Odigbo and Irele.
The drink may have contained methanol, a poisonous type of alcohol.
Methanol can seriously harm a person’s eyesight, kidneys, and brain.
One patient said he lost his eyesight after drinking two shots.
Police arrested 15 people while investigating what happened.
Residents suspect a drink called “Monkey Tail” may have been mixed with methanol, but authorities have not confirmed the cause.
At least 48 people died after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink in Ondo state, Nigeria.
More than 100 people are receiving treatment, while officials estimate that 182 people were affected.
The cases were reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas in recent days.
Police arrested 15 people, including one alleged producer of drinks suspected to contain methanol.
Residents suspect the drink may have been a high-alcohol herbal beverage called “Monkey Tail,” while investigations continue.
- Who
- At least 48 people died, more than 100 became ill, and police arrested 15 people in connection with the incident.
- What
- People consumed a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol, causing deaths and severe illnesses.
- When
- The illnesses occurred in recent days; local reports said the first death was recorded nearly two weeks before the officials’ Thursday statements.
- Where
- The affected areas are Odigbo and Irele local government areas in Ondo state, southern Nigeria.
- Why
- Officials suspect the drink was contaminated with methanol, although the investigation was still ongoing.
- Deaths
- At least 48 people
- People receiving treatment
- More than 100
- Estimated people affected
- 182
- Location
- Odigbo and Irele, Ondo state, southern Nigeria
- Arrests
- 15 people
- Suspected substance
- Methanol
- Related regulation
- Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
