Canadian Government Warns Citizens Against Buying Alcohol In Nigeria After 48 People Die In Ondo

Canadian authorities have warned citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when consuming alcohol following reports of deaths and hospitalisations linked to suspected methanol-contaminated drinks in Ondo State.

In a safety notice issued on Tuesday, Canadian officials said: “Casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. Buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”
The notice did not state the number of casualties. However, Nigerian health officials said last week that 48 people had died, while approximately 180 others were receiving treatment in Ondo State after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage suspected to contain methanol.
Methanol is a highly toxic substance that can cause multiple organ failure, breathing difficulties, blindness and brain damage.

A survivor, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, told TVC News from his hospital bed: “I took about two shots and went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.”

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the effects could occur rapidly.

“This happened rapidly. Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go and the brain will be damaged,” he explained.
Police said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected toxic drink.

Residents reportedly suspected that a popular herbal alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail” had been mixed with methanol.

The report noted that homemade alcohol is common in some rural parts of Nigeria, where it is cheaper and less regulated. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has also enforced a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.