The NMA NAFDAC Liaison Committee has confirmed that a high concentration of methanol in a local alcoholic concoction known as ‘monkey tail’ was responsible for the recent mass deaths recorded in Ondo State.
The committee’s chairman, Dr Azim Adekunle Ashimi, disclosed this in an update on Tuesday, citing laboratory findings from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
According to the committee, samples collected from Odigbo, Irele and surrounding Local Government Areas contained high concentrations of methanol and cannabis indica.
The committee said 182 people were affected, with 48 deaths recorded. Five victims were permanently blinded, while two others suffered partial loss of vision.
Ashimi explained that methanol is an industrial solvent that is not meant for human consumption. He said that when ingested, it is metabolised by the liver into formic acid, which damages the optic nerve and retinal cells.
He noted that methanol poisoning can result in irreversible blindness, severe metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure and death.
According to the committee, victims developed severe headaches, abdominal pain, generalised weakness, altered consciousness, breathing difficulties and blurred or “snowfield” vision after consuming the drink.
Ashimi urged healthcare providers in Ondo and neighbouring states to maintain a high level of suspicion when treating patients who develop sudden visual impairment or unexplained metabolic acidosis after consuming local alcoholic or herbal mixtures.
He called for prompt resuscitation, airway management, correction of acidosis, administration of antidotes and urgent haemodialysis where necessary.
He also urged healthcare providers to immediately report suspected cases to relevant health authorities and NAFDAC.
The committee acknowledged the arrest of 15 suspects but called for a comprehensive crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal mixture blenders and open market distribution networks.
It further urged nationwide sensitisation against the consumption of unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic beverages, alongside stricter control of the methanol supply chain to prevent its diversion into beverage production.
