Poisoned beer kills over 40 Nigerians

At least 49 people have died while 182 others have been hospitalised following suspected alcohol poisoning in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria.

Ondo State Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the outbreak was first reported on September 5 after 29 people died within a week of consuming suspected contaminated locally brewed alcohol.

Authorities suspect the deaths may have been caused by methanol poisoning from a locally produced gin popularly known as “Monkey Tail”.

Ajaka said investigations have traced the incident to two traditional ceremonies in Odigbo district, where guests consumed the locally produced alcoholic drink.

Victims reportedly developed severe symptoms including headaches, body pain, breathing difficulties, altered consciousness and blindness.

Ajaka said authorities have strong epidemiological suspicion that the victims were exposed to a toxic alcoholic substance, but laboratory tests have not yet confirmed the presence of methanol.

Police have since arrested a suspect who is assisting with investigations into the source of the suspected contaminated alcohol.

Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause blindness, organ damage and death when consumed.