Did a ‘deity’ Actually Kill the ‘Ondo 18’?

Map of Nigeria showing Ondo State (see arrow)

Recently 18 Okada Riders (Commercial Motor Cyclists) died from a ‘mysterious’ illness in Irele, Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. 5 others are in a hospital receiving treatment for the presently unknown disease. The locals claimed the dead men were killed by a deity. An in-depth analysis of the story will reveal 3 ‘deities’ that may have been responsible for their deaths.

‘deity’ #1- Malokun Shrine

The people of the community claimed that the 18 young men who died were punished for stealing sacred objects from the Malokun shrine. It is generally believed in Africa that mystic gods and goddesses can mete out punishment to criminals.  I really can’t prove this story so let’s move on to the next possible deity.

‘deity’ #2- Herbicide Poisoning

The initial hypothesis from the World Health Organization (WHO) was herbicide poisoning as the cause of death. This may be corroborated by the fact that the men all drank an herbal substance shortly before their deaths. Herbicide poisoning is actually quite lethal so this ‘deity’ may have had a hand in their death.

 Dr A.G Iyagbe, a Nigerian Scientist who studied herbicide use in South-South Nigeria in 2013 noted that many farmers who used herbicides bought them from the open market. His study also noted that the farmers did not use accurate measurements in preparing spray mixtures. In addition, they disposed left over spray mixture in local rivers and streams and had limited knowledge of the dangers of herbicide use.

Another Nigeria scientist, Dr. John Gushit in his 2012 Study noted the presence of herbicide residues in Fadama and Upland soils in North- Central Nigeria months after their use.

The unregulated availability, improper use and careless disposal of herbicides by farmers can lead to the contamination of crops and the environment. It is possible therefore that the 18 dead men somehow ingested an herbal mixture that was contaminated by herbicides. Toxicology may prove this.

 ‘deity’ #3- Methanol Poisoning

According to the Ondo State Government Spokesman this ‘deity’ likely caused the deaths of these 18 men and the illness of the remaining 5. The 23 men were said to have consumed a local brew known as Ogogoro. As is the practice with millions of Nigerians (even my Auto Mechanic is a consumer), Ogogoro is frequently mixed with roots and local herbs before consumption. There is a myth that this mixture treats malaria, makes people healthy and also ‘charges’ the brain. These men were alleged to have taken this Ogogoro-Herbs Mixture. Ogogoro is akin to Moonshine, an illicit brew made popular in America by the Appalachian distillers in the 1700s and 1800s.

Ogogoro also known as Sapele Water is a common Nigerian spirit made by distilling Raffia Palm wine. It contains 30-60% alcohol and is a source of income for many economically disadvantaged Nigerians who brew it in their homes. Sometimes, cheap methanol is added to increase the alcohol concentration of the drink.

However, it seems plausible that the methanol contaminant came from the roots and wood (local herbs) added to the mixture by the sellers. It is well known that methanol is the simplest alcohol which is produced by distilling wood. That is why it is also called wood alcohol.

So, the possible scenario looks like this:

23 young Okada Riders raided a local shrine where they carted away some objects. They then decided to celebrate their loot by relaxing in the village bar sipping shots of Ogogoro and local herbs mixture. Unknown to them, this particular brew was contaminated with methanol and/or an herbicide. Shortly after, they all went back to their various homes or businesses. Within 24 hours, 18 of them had come down with headaches, blurred vision, blindness, coma and death. These are all symptoms of methanol poisoning. The remaining 5 who probably did not drink much of the contaminated brew are presently in the hospital battling for their lives.

To me, the possible ‘deity’ that killed the ‘Ondo 18’ is Methanol poisoning. In the coming days, science may prove this theory.

There are at least two ways this deity can be handled.

1.     Education

A massive public awareness campaign to educate people on the dangers inherent in consuming locally made alcohol is urgently needed. Since, Ogogoro is usually made at home, production is not monitored by the regulatory bodies, and hence the products do not conform to the minimal standards for hygiene and quality.  Education may reduce their consumption by unwary citizens.

2.     Legalization and Commercialization

Personally, I do not drink alcohol in whatever form. However, most societies permit alcohol consumption for those who desire it and are above 18 years of age. I think the legalization of Ogogoro production will open up the industry to scrutiny, regulation and control. This will be similar to what the US did to the Moonshine industry in 1933 when it repealed the Act prohibiting local alcohol production. Presently, the quantity of illicit Moonshine has drastically reduced in that country.

 Legalization will lead to commercialization. This will make it possible for the production process to be upgraded and the product well distilled, packaged and branded. With this, the addition of contaminates will be reduced and safe products will be available to the public. This is assuming alcohol consumption is safe in the first place.

The ultimate cause of the unfortunate deaths of the ‘Ondo 18’ may be attributed to several deities afterall.

These deities are known as Ignorance, Poverty, Poor Hygiene and probably Methanol Poisoning.

I hope it never happens again.