48 Dead, 182 Affected in Nigeria Methanol Poisoning

At least 48 people have died and about 100 others are hospitalized in southwestern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol, officials said. Authorities reported roughly 182 people affected across Ondo State’s Odigbo and Irele areas, with some patients later discharged. Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol that can cause blindness, organ damage, brain injury and death when ingested. Police have arrested 15 people, including an alleged producer of the beverage, while health authorities investigate with national and international agencies. Officials have warned against consuming unregulated or counterfeit alcohol and halted sales of locally produced alcoholic drinks in affected areas.