Ondo State Government has confirmed 48 deaths linked to the consumption of a local alcoholic drink suspected to have been contaminated with methanol.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Akure on Thursday.

Ajaka said 182 cases had so far been reported at medical facilities across Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.

The commissioner identified Irele as the latest flashpoint of the incident, with the communities of Idogun and Gbogunron affected.

According to Ajaka, preliminary findings have linked the deaths to the consumption of substances suspected to contain methanol. He said urine samples collected from victims were also pointing to suspected methanol exposure.

However, health authorities were still investigating the source of the suspected contaminated substance in the two affected communities.

“We are still looking for the source of consumption in the two communities in Irele Local Government Area,” Ajaka said.

Ajaka said the state government had expanded its response through collaboration with federal and state agencies to contain the incident and prevent further deaths.

He listed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, World Health Organisation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, Police, Amotekun Corps and the affected local governments among the agencies involved.

The multi-agency response is focused on tracing the source of the suspected toxic substance, containing its spread and preventing additional fatalities.

Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning and death when consumed.

The development has heightened concern in affected communities as health authorities continue surveillance and investigations.

The latest figure represents an increase from the 29 deaths previously confirmed by Ajaka in communities across Odigbo Local Government Area during an earlier news conference.