The Ondo State Police Command says it has commenced an investigation into the deaths of 27 people in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. The command disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital. The victims, residents of Araromi-Obu, Odigbo and Orita New Town, died under circumstances suspected to be connected with poisoning.
Mr Abayomi said the police, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government and relevant health authorities, have commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incidents with a view to determining the actual cause of the reported deaths.
“Police personnel, including Police Medical Services, are working closely with officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Health and the Odigbo Local Government health authorities in the collection of relevant information and evidence, while medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted to ascertain the substance, if any, responsible for the fatalities,” he said.
He cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information on the matter, assuring that the actual number of casualties and the real cause of their deaths would be established through the ongoing investigation. The police also advised residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing useful information that may assist the investigation.
“At this stage, the Command wishes to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing.
The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation.” “Members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation,” Mr Abayomi added.