# Nearly 50 dead in Nigeria from methanol-laced alcohol

> A contaminated local brew kills dozens in southern Nigeria, sparking arrests and a nationwide ban on sachets of alcohol.
- Title: Nearly 50 dead in Nigeria from methanol-laced alcohol
- Summary: A contaminated local brew kills dozens in southern Nigeria, sparking arrests and a nationwide ban on sachets of alcohol. Methanol poisoning from unregulated…
- Keywords: nigeria, methanol poisoning, alcohol contamination, ondo state, public health crisis, unregulated alcohol, monkey tail drink, deaths, rural areas, drug enforcement, news, world
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/18/nigeria-deaths-suspected-methanol-alcohol-brew-drink
- Author: Associated Press
- Published: 2026-09-18T00:23:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nigeria, methanol poisoning, alcohol contamination, ondo state, public health crisis, unregulated alcohol, monkey tail drink, deaths, rural areas, drug enforcement, news, world
## 48 dead from tainted alcohol in Nigeria
At least 48 people died and about 100 others fell ill after drinking locally brewed alcohol suspected to contain methanol in Ondo state's Odigbo and Irele areas.

> I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.
## Methanol damages organs rapidly
Health officials warn that methanol causes kidney failure, blindness, and brain damage depending on the quantity consumed. A total of 182 people are believed affected.

> Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged.
## Monkey Tail drink suspected culprit
Locals believe a popular herbal drink called Monkey Tail with high alcohol content was mixed with methanol. A trader revealed there are two versions: an original safe version and an unsafe one.
## Unregulated alcohol common in rural Nigeria
Locally made alcohol is widespread in Nigeria's rural areas where it is more affordable and poorly regulated, making it a public health risk.
## Police arrest 15 in connection
Ondo state police arrested 15 people including one suspected of producing methanol-containing substances. The first death was reported nearly two weeks before the outbreak became public.
## Nigeria bans sachet alcohol nationwide
Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is now enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, which are easily accessible to children.
## Key takeaway

Methanol poisoning from unregulated local alcohol killed at least 48 people in Nigeria, highlighting the dangers of poorly regulated drinking in rural areas.