The Ondo State Government has warned residents against consuming uncertified herbal mixtures, unapproved substances and other products whose safety for human consumption has not been established.
The warning followed a recent incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, which reportedly led to the deaths of some residents.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government urged residents to avoid substances of questionable origin and exercise caution when purchasing medicines and other consumable products.
Ajanaku said the safety, health and wellbeing of residents remained key priorities of the administration.
He also warned producers, sellers and distributors of uncertified substances to immediately stop their activities, stressing that the production and distribution of unapproved products could pose serious risks to public health.
“The production, sale and distribution of unapproved substances pose serious risks to public health and may attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law,” the commissioner said.
The government also cautioned residents, particularly youths, against drug abuse and the unauthorised consumption of substances capable of causing serious health complications or death.
Ajanaku advised residents to obtain medicines and other consumable products only from authorised and regulated outlets, while encouraging them to seek professional medical advice rather than relying on unverified remedies.
Speaking on the Odigbo incident, the commissioner said the state government had commenced an investigation to determine the actual cause of the deaths.
“The Government is currently investigating the Odigbo incident to establish the actual cause of the deaths,” he said, adding that relevant government agencies were “working diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The government also commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt intervention and support during the incident.
Ajanaku assured residents that the government was taking necessary steps to safeguard public health and prevent a recurrence.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving the production, sale or distribution of dangerous, illegal or unapproved substances to the relevant authorities.
The commissioner stressed that protecting lives and building a safe and healthy society remained a collective responsibility that required the cooperation of all residents.
