The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of producing a herbal liquid believed to be linked to the deaths of several residents in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as “Meko,” was arrested after reports that at least 29 people had died while about 60 others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming the herbal drinks.

The Command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly selling and consuming herbal products in violation of an order banning the sale and consumption of the drinks in the affected communities.

“Health officials have intensified medical intervention, with a significant number of youths from the affected communities taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for medical assessment, testing and treatment,” Jimoh added.

In a statement issued today, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command had contained the situation following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions. Jimoh said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances believed to contain methanol and was currently assisting the police with the investigation.

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