Methanol-Laced ‘Monkey Tail’ Claims 48 Lives, 182 Affected in Ondo

The NMA–NAFDAC Liaison Committee has confirmed that high concentrations of methanol in a local alcoholic mixture known as monkey tail caused the recent mass poisoning in Ondo State, which left 48 people dead and 182 affected.

Committee Chairman, Dr. Azim Adekunle Ashimi, disclosed the findings on Tuesday, citing laboratory tests conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Samples collected from Odigbo, Irele, and nearby local government areas contained dangerous levels of methanol and cannabis indica.According to the report, five victims have been rendered permanently blind, while two others suffered partial visual loss.

Symptoms observed included severe headaches, abdominal pain, weakness, breathing difficulties, altered consciousness, and blurred or “snowfield” vision.

Ashimi explained that methanol, an industrial solvent not meant for human consumption, is metabolised by the liver into formic acid, which attacks the optic nerve and retinal cells.

This leads to irreversible blindness, metabolic acidosis, multi-organ failure, and death.

Healthcare providers in Ondo and neighbouring states were urged to maintain high suspicion for patients presenting with sudden visual impairment or unexplained metabolic acidosis after consuming local alcoholic or herbal mixtures.

Recommended interventions include resuscitation, airway management, correction of acidosis, antidote administration, and urgent haemodialysis.

The committee acknowledged the arrest of 15 suspects but called for a full crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal mixture producers, and open-market distribution networks.

It also urged nationwide sensitisation against unlabelled, unregistered alcoholic beverages and stricter regulation of methanol supply chains to prevent diversion into beverage production.