48 Dead in Nigeria After Methanol-Contaminated Drink, Officials Confirm

At least 48 people have died and 100 others hospitalized after consuming a contaminated drink in Nigeria, authorities report. Methanol poisoning linked to lo...

Editorial Desk

September 17, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Abuja, Nigeria — At least 48 people have died and over 100 others are receiving medical care in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected to be contaminated with methanol, officials said Thursday.

Ondo state’s health commissioner, Banji Ajaka, confirmed that the incident occurred in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, where 182 individuals were affected. He warned that the effects of methanol consumption can be severe, causing kidney failure, blindness, and brain damage depending on the quantity ingested.

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A 32-year-old survivor, Sola Adebayo, described how he fell ill after drinking the substance. Locals suspect a popular herbal drink known as “Monkey Tail” was mixed with methanol, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Authorities have arrested 15 individuals connected to the incident, including one accused of producing the suspected toxic mixture.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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