48 Dead, 182 Affected in Nigeria Methanol Poisoning

A hospitalized patient told local broadcasters, "After drinking two cups on the 11th, I couldn't see the next day." At least 48 people have died and roughly 182 people have been affected across Ondo State's Odigbo and Irele areas after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol. The drink is suspected to be Monkey Tail, made from fermented raffia palm sap called ogogoro with added roots or cannabis. Asia Business Daily said the toll mounted over the past two weeks and cited an Associated Press report dated September 17. Banji Ajaka said, "Once ingested, depending on the amount consumed, it can cause kidney failure, blindness, and brain damage." Ondo State police reported 15 arrests, including an alleged producer. Officials have warned against unregulated or counterfeit alcohol and halted sales of locally produced alcoholic drinks in the affected areas. Health authorities are investigating with national and international agencies. Wire accounts list about 100 people hospitalized; Asia Business Daily reports more than 100. Asia Business Daily also noted a methanol poisoning in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, in October last year that killed at least 41 and led to 14 arrests.