‘Monkey Tail’ turns to tragedy: 49 dead and 182 hospitalized from bootleg alcohol in Nigeria

At least 49 people have died and 182 others are in hospital after being poisoned by counterfeit alcohol in Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria, a local official said.

On September 5, local authorities announced that 29 people had died within a week after consuming counterfeit alcohol. Ondo state Health Commissioner Bandji Anjaka said the death toll has risen to 49.

Authorities believe the deaths were caused by methanol poisoning. The victims had consumed a type of local gin that residents call “Monkey Tail,” highlighting the dangers of unregulated alcoholic beverages, which are widespread in parts of Nigeria because they are cheap and easy to produce.

Ajaka said the poisonings may be linked to two traditional ceremonies held in the Odigbo region, during which participants consumed a local alcoholic drink. However, so far there has been no laboratory confirmation of these suspicions.

The victims showed various symptoms, including headaches, body aches, breathing difficulties, hallucinations and blindness.

“It happens very quickly. Once they drink it, depending on the amount, the kidneys stop working, the eyes go blind, the brain is destroyed,” Ajaka said.

Police have arrested one suspect, while authorities continue investigations to determine the causes of the poisoning.