The Police Command in Ondo State has said it has commenced investigation into the death of some residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town in the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, command’s Spokesperson, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, saying the residents died under circumstances suspected to be connected with poisoning.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), no fewer than 24 person were reported as dead between Sept. 3 and 8 in the areas.
Jimoh said the command, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government and relevant health authorities, had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident with a view to determining the actual cause of the reported deaths.
“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation. Police personnel, including Police Medical Services, are working closely with officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government health authorities in the collection of relevant information and evidence.
“Medical and toxicological examinations are also being conducted to ascertain the substance, if any, responsible for the fatalities. At this stage, the command wishes to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, as the investigation and laboratory analyses are still ongoing,” he said.
Jimoh, therefore, advised residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing useful information which might assist the investigation.
The spokesperson, however, urged the members of the public to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Felix Ohagwu, has assured that the command is committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incidents and will take appropriate action against anyone found culpable. The command will continue to liaise with the Ondo State Government and relevant agencies and will provide further updates as soon as credible findings emerge,” he said.
(NAN)
