By Olusegun Folarin
The Ogun State Government says it has initiated a thorough investigation into the source and nature of the locally brewed alcoholic drinks that allegedly killed eight people in Ijebu North East and Odogbolu local government areas of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known in a statement in Abeokuta while reacting to the reports of eleven cases of severe illnesses and eight deaths, directly linked to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic products.
Dr Coker advised residents to exercise extreme caution and refrain from consuming drinks from unverified sources, especially those products not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
According to the Special Adviser, the unauthorized production and distribution of alcoholic beverages and other consumable items pose significant health risks as they are often manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions, making them potential breeding grounds for harmful substances and toxins.
She implored residents to report any case of illness or death after consumption of similar products including herbal concoctions to the nearest Government Hospital.
Describing the collaborative efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, and the public as paramount to combat the sale and consumption of harmful products, Dr Coker
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
It would be recalled that eight persons reportedly died after drinking a local gin popularly called ogogoro in Ijebu area of Ogun State last week.
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