By Damilola Samuel
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 15 people and recovered substances suspected to be methanol following reports of sudden deaths among youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area.
One of those arrested, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” is suspected of producing substances believed to contain methanol. Police said the recovered substances have been sent for forensic examination to determine their composition and whether they are connected to the reported deaths.
The development has also triggered a wider crackdown on the sale and consumption of dangerous alcoholic drinks and concoctions in Ore and Odigbo.
Fourteen other suspects, identified by the police as alleged sellers and consumers, were arrested during the enforcement operation carried out by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, under the Liquor Act.
The Command said it was investigating how the suspected substances were produced, distributed and consumed, as well as their possible connection with the deaths.
The bodies of the deceased are undergoing post-mortem examinations, which the police said would provide medical evidence on the actual cause of death.
Meanwhile, health officials have stepped up intervention in the affected community, with several youths taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for assessment, testing and treatment.
The Police Command said detectives visited Araromi-Obu on September 12 to gather additional evidence and advance the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, said the Command would continue to pursue all leads while preventing dangerous alcoholic substances from circulating in the state.
He directed sustained enforcement against the production, distribution and sale of unapproved, adulterated or potentially dangerous alcoholic products.
Police said all the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded in accordance with the law.
