Canadian authorities have issued a safety warning to citizens in Nigeria, urging them to exercise extreme caution when consuming alcoholic beverages following reports of deaths and hospitalisations linked to suspected methanol-contaminated drinks in Ondo State.
In a safety notice issued on Tuesday, Canadian officials advised citizens to avoid unregulated alcoholic products and purchase alcohol only from reputable establishments.
“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 stated.
Although the Canadian advisory did not specify the number of casualties, Nigerian health authorities reportedly said last week that 48 people had died, while approximately 180 others were receiving medical treatment in Ondo State after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage suspected to have been contaminated with methanol.
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning, including blindness, brain damage, breathing difficulties, multiple organ failure and death.
The seriousness of the outbreak was highlighted by the experience of a survivor, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, who spoke to 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,” Adebayo recounted.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the effects of methanol poisoning could develop rapidly, depending on the quantity consumed.
“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,” Ajaka explained.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly arrested 15 people in connection with the suspected distribution of the toxic alcoholic beverage as investigations continue.
Residents have reportedly raised concerns that a popular locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink commonly known as “Monkey Tail” may have been mixed with methanol.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with unregulated and adulterated alcoholic beverages, particularly in rural communities where homemade drinks are often cheaper and more readily available.
The development also comes against the backdrop of regulatory measures by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) concerning alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
Health authorities continue to warn that anyone who develops symptoms after consuming suspected adulterated alcohol should seek urgent medical attention, as methanol poisoning can progress rapidly and may result in permanent blindness, organ failure or death.
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