The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the reported deaths of residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area amid suspicions that the victims may have died from poisoning.
The affected communities include Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, where reports of multiple deaths have raised concerns among residents.
The Command said it is working with the Ondo State Government, Ministry of Health and health authorities in Odigbo LGA to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish the actual cause of the fatalities.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Wednesday, September 9, the Command’s personnel, including officers from Police Medical Services, are collaborating with health officials in gathering information and evidence, while medical and toxicological examinations are being conducted to determine whether any substance was responsible for the deaths.
The Command urged residents and members of the public to disregard unverified claims regarding the cause of the deaths, stressing that the investigation and laboratory analyses were still ongoing.
It said the actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths would be established after the conclusion of the investigation.
The police also advised residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing relevant information that could assist in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Residents were further advised to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, assured the public that the Command would thoroughly investigate the incidents and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
The Command said it would continue to work with the state government and other relevant agencies and provide further updates when credible findings become available.
