The death toll from the suspected consumption of toxic alcoholic drinks and locally produced drink known as ‘Monkey Tail’ in Ondo State has risen to 49.

The latest figure represents an increase from the 38 deaths initially recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr Banji Ajaka, who disclosed this on Wednesday night, said the number of affected persons has now climbed to 170.

He explained that the latest deaths were recorded in Irele Local Government Area of the state, where eight persons have died from suspected poisoning.

Ajaka disclosed that health authorities had deployed response teams to Irele LGA and other affected communities to conduct surveillance, manage cases and trace the source of the suspected toxic substance.

The Commissioner said the government was yet to establish whether the suspected poisoning came from one source or multiple sources.

He said, “So, all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.

“We are always fast about it wherever and whenever we hear reports of the issue. Our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now.”

Ajaka revealed that the government was working with various agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as part of the investigation.

According to him, the outbreak had also been discussed at a national meeting involving state health commissioners and officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The Commissioner said the investigation would continue until the source of the suspected poisonous substance was identified.

Mr Ajaka had previously attributed the deaths to the consumption of locally produced alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal substances.

The latest figures follow an earlier outbreak reported in Odigbo LGA of the state, where 29 deaths had initially been recorded.

The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.

The state government had subsequently banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal drinks in Odigbo as a precautionary measure.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed all commands and formations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to urgently submit details of serving inspectors and rank-and-file personnel who hold doctorate degrees, master’s degrees or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) certificates.

The directive was contained in a police wireless message dated September 14, 2026, and marked “Most/Immediate”.

The message, issued by the Force Secretary’s Office, Abuja, directed the various police commands, departments, colleges and training institutions to forward the requested information on or before Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

“IGP directs, as a matter of urgency, that you forward a list of inspectors/rank-and-file serving under you who are holders of doctorate degrees, master’s degrees or LLB, in addition to their posting signals, on or before 16/09/2026. I repeat, on or before 16/09/2026. Treat as very important,” the message stated.

The wireless message was signed from the Nigeria Police Force Secretary’s Office in Abuja and addressed to the AIG, Department of Training and Development; Police Colleges; various departments and training institutions; as well as all state commands.

It was also copied to the Inspector-General of Police’s office and all Commissioners of Police.

The directive specifically requested details of personnel in the inspector and rank-and-file categories who possess the listed academic qualifications, along with their posting signals.

The police authorities classified the request as urgent, with the deadline set for September 16, 2026.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the murder of a Police Inspector, Henry Effiong, attached to the residence of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Rex Anunobi.

A statement issued through the desk of the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the suspects, 31 year old Olivia Patrick and ThankGod Maurice, 25 year old, were arrested at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

Okoye hinted that upon receiving the report of the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, directed a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the statement, in compliance with the directive, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, alongside the DPO, New Owerri Division, visited the scene, where necessary examinations were conducted and relevant exhibits recovered and secured.

The statement added that remains of the deceased Inspector were subsequently deposited at the mortuary.

It noted that the matter has since been transferred to the SCID for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects currently at large.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the investigating team to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law. The incident is a painful reminder of the risks and sacrifices police officers face in the discharge of their duties.

“CP Audu Garba Bosso commiserates with the family of the deceased Inspector and assures them that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served,” the statement added.

The command reassured residents that the situation is under control and that appropriate security measures are in place to safeguard lives and property across the state.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.