By Asaye Bankole
The Ondo State Government has stepped up measures to curb the production, sale and consumption of uncertified herbal concoctions and other unapproved substances following the deaths of 25 residents in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The government, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, warned residents against consuming herbal drinks, medicines, concoctions and other substances whose safety for human consumption has not been established by the relevant authorities.
The warning followed a recent incident in Odigbo in which 25 people were reportedly confirmed dead under circumstances that have yet to be fully established.
The state government said the health and wellbeing of residents remained a major priority of the administration and urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing or consuming substances of doubtful origin.
It also directed producers, vendors and distributors of uncertified products to desist from the practice, warning that the production, distribution and sale of unapproved substances could pose serious risks to public health and attract sanctions under existing laws.
The government further cautioned residents, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing severe health complications or death.
Residents were advised to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets.
The government also urged people experiencing health challenges to seek professional medical attention rather than relying on unverified remedies or substances.
On the deaths in Odigbo, the government said an investigation was already underway to determine the actual cause of the incident.
According to the statement, relevant government agencies are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether the consumption of any particular substance was responsible.
The government appealed to residents to remain calm while the investigation continues and warned against spreading unverified reports that could create unnecessary fear and panic in affected communities.
It also commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt response to the incident and his efforts to protect the lives and wellbeing of residents.
The state government assured residents that appropriate measures were being taken to safeguard public health and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
It reiterated its warning to individuals and businesses involved in the unauthorised production, sale, distribution or consumption of illegal and uncertified substances, stressing that public health regulations must be respected.
The government also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous or unapproved substances to the appropriate authorities.
It said protecting lives and building a safe and healthy society required the collective efforts of government agencies, healthcare professionals, businesses and members of the public.
The Commissioner urged residents to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and rely on verified information from government authorities as efforts continue to establish the cause of the deaths in Odigbo.
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