Forty-Eight Dead in Nigeria After Suspected Methanol Poisoning Linked To 'Monkey Tail'

At least 48 people have died, and around 100 others are receiving treatment in Ondo State, Nigeria, in an outbreak that has affected 182 people, according to health officials. Officials suspect the deaths were caused by a locally brewed alcoholic drink contaminated with methanol.

The cases have been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. The drink is believed by local residents to be a version of a high-alcohol herbal concoction known as 'Monkey Tail'.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed that the beverage itself was responsible for the deaths, with investigations into the suspected methanol contamination still underway. Police have since arrested 15 people in connection with the incident.

Survivor Describes Monkey Tail Effects

The suspected poisoning has left some victims with serious health complications. A 32-year-old survivor, Sola Adebayo, told a local broadcaster that he lost his vision the day after drinking two shots of the beverage.

Adebayo stated that last Monday, he took Monkey Tail that was bought in Ore. He said that he, along with five of his friends, had been taking the substance for a while, though not regularly.

The 32-year-old survivor also revealed that his vision is still impaired and that he can 'only see little things'. As for his friends, available reports have not specifically identified their names or their current state.

Ondo State's Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, warned the public of the effects of the suspected poisoning.

'This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,' the commissioner stated.

Investigation Leads to 15 Arrests

Fifteen people have been taken into custody by the Ondo State Police in connection with the incident.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement that one of those detained was allegedly 'involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the police with investigations'.

Local media reports said the first death was recorded nearly two weeks ago. Authorities have yet to confirm the precise source of the suspected contamination as investigations continue.

What Is Monkey Tail?

Monkey Tail is described by local residents as a high-alcohol herbal concoction. Residents in the affected area suspect that a version of the drink may have been contaminated with methanol, although authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific source of the contamination.

An anonymous trader in Odigbo told a local news publication that there were two versions of Monkey Tail, describing one as the original and another as unsafe.

As Africa's most populous country, drinking locally produced alcohol is common in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where such beverages are more affordable and often poorly regulated.

Nationwide Alcohol Restrictions

Separately, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is enforcing a nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small PET bottles below 200ml. The agency has cited concerns about their accessibility to children and young people.

Authorities continue to investigate the source of the suspected contamination, while medical workers treat those affected by the outbreak.