Dozens Dead in Southern Nigeria After Consuming Suspected Methanol-Laced Drink
At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a drink suspected to contain methanol.
Portland, OR, September 17, 2026 —
At least 48 individuals have died and approximately 100 others are currently receiving medical treatment in southern Nigeria following the consumption of a beverage suspected to contain methanol. The exact number of affected individuals and fatalities may fluctuate as the situation is ongoing.
The tragic incidents occurred after people ingested a drink that health officials and authorities are investigating for methanol contamination. Methanol, a toxic form of alcohol, can cause severe health complications, including blindness, organ damage, and death, even in small quantities. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Emergency services and local hospitals in southern Nigeria have been inundated with patients exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with methanol poisoning. Medical personnel are working to stabilize those affected and provide necessary treatments, which can include administering antidotes and supportive care.
Investigations into the source and distribution of the contaminated drink are underway. Authorities are working to identify the specific product and the circumstances that led to its contamination. The contractor responsible for the drink’s production or distribution, along with the exact type of beverage, has not been publicly disclosed at this time. The timeline of when the drink was consumed and when symptoms began to manifest is also part of the ongoing inquiry.
Public health officials have issued warnings urging residents to exercise extreme caution regarding the consumption of unverified or locally produced beverages. The local government has stated that it is coordinating efforts with health agencies to manage the crisis and prevent further incidents. The outcome of further inspections and the status of any required permits for the beverage’s sale remain under investigation.
The full extent of the methanol poisoning outbreak and its long-term consequences are still being assessed. The number of people receiving treatment indicates that the total number of individuals affected may be higher than initially reported. Further details are expected to emerge as official investigations progress.
Story summarized from the original created by Mark Heim on www.oregonlive.com, see more information here.
