Two persons have died after consuming local gin; popularly known as Ogogoro, in South Ugieda, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident occurred in Ugieda community on ‎Tuesday.
It was gathered that five of the victims had complained of acute stomach discomfort after taking the substance, which they bought from a yet-to-be identified seller who brought the gin to the community.
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“After they had consumed the Ogogoro, they began complaining of stomach ache. Unfortunately, the two died while three are currently hospitalised at the hospital,”a witness said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Osifo, said that he would get back to our correspondent, when he was contacted on Thursday.
Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Eregie Aihanuwa, were also unsuccessful as she was said to be in a meeting.
However, the Aidonigie of South Ibie, Alhaji Kelvin Danisi, who confirmed the incident, noted that the condition of the remaining victims was critical.
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“I got report that two people have died and three others are still critically ill at the hospital. So, we are doing everything to make sure that such things do not happen again,” Danisi said.
“I have already summoned a meeting of all those that are into (the) sales of alcohol and we are going to place a ban on illicit gin.