Canada has warned its citizens in Nigeria about unregulated alcohol following a deadly health crisis in Ondo State.
The warning comes after dozens of people reportedly died after consuming suspected methanol-contaminated drinks.
Canadian authorities have now advised travellers to be careful about where they buy alcoholic drinks.
In an updated Nigeria travel advisory, Canada said casualties had occurred after people consumed unsafe alcohol.
The advisory urged Canadians to buy alcohol only from reputable establishments.
It also advised anyone who feels sick after drinkinpublic health
“Casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of meth@nol. Buy alc%hol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”
The Canadian notice did not give a specific number of casualties.
However, Nigerian health authorities have reported a major outbreak linked to suspected toxic alcoholic drinks in Ondo.
NAFDAC said 48 people had died, while 182 cases were recorded as of September 17.
The agency said early laboratory results showed high levels of methanol in samples from suspected drinks.
Five victims were reportedly left completely blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.
A survivor, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, described how quickly his condition changed.
“I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.”
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, also described the effects as rapid.
“This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged.”
Methanol is highly toxic and can cause severe illness when consumed.
The suspected alcohol outbreak has also led to arrests as authorities investigate its source.
Police reportedly arrested 15 people over the suspected toxic drinks.
Reports have linked the investigation to a locally made alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail.”
However, the reported link remains part of an ongoing investigation.
Pharmacists have also called for stronger controls over locally prepared alcoholic and herbal products.
The Canadian warning adds an international alert to the growing concerns surrounding the Ondo outbreak.
