The Ondo State Police Command has begun investigation into the reported deaths of some residents of Araromi-Obu and Orita New town in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Jimoh Abayomi, the command’s police spokesman, made this known while confirming the incident in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
No fewer than 24 residents of the communities at the weekend died under mysterious circumstances suspected to be connected with possible poisoning through consumption of alleged herbal sachet concortion.
The incident which has several others still receiving treatment at the hospital, had heightened concerns in the communities over the safety of unregulated herbal concoctions and other substances sold in sachets.
Abayomi said that the command, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government and relevant health authorities, has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incidents with a view to determining the actual cause of the reported deaths.
According to him, 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.
“Medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted to ascertain the substance, if any, responsible for the fatalities.
“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,” Abayomi said.
He further advised residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing useful information that may assist the investigation.
Abayomi also said that members of the public are also urged to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has assured members of the public that the Command was committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incidents and will take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
Abayomi noted that the command would continue to liaise with the state government and relevant agencies and would provide further updates as soon as credible findings emerge.