How ogogoro killed 2 people in Edo

Two persons died after consuming locally brewed illicit gin, popularly called “ogogoro” in Ugieda, South Ibie, in Etsako West local government area of Edo state.


The local ruler of the community, (Aidonigie of South Ibie), Alhaji Kelvin Danisi, disclosed that a ban would be placed on sales and consumption of the illicit gin. 

The chairman of Etsako West local government council, Mr. Yesufu Busari, said the council would liaise with relevant stakeholders, especially dealers of the local gin, to enlighten the people on current happenings.


Months after several persons allegedly died in Ondo and Rivers states, after consuming locally brewed illicit gin, popularly called “ogogoro” two persons reportedly died on Tuesday, January 26 in Ugieda, South Ibie, in Etsako West local government area of Edo state, after consuming ogogoro.
Three other persons who also consumed the substance suspected to be contaminated, are said to be presently hospitalised and doctors are battling to save their lives.

Sources in the town had it that the five persons complained of unusual hotness and aches in their stomach after consuming the local dry gin.

An eye-witness, Mr Lukman Rilwan, who spoke to journalists on the incident, said: “After they have consumed the ogogoro, they began complaining of stomach ache. Unfortunately the two died while three are currently hospitalised at the hospital.”

Also commenting on the incident, the local ruler of the community, (Aidonigie of South Ibie), Alhaji Kelvin Danisi, disclosed that a ban would be placed on sales and consumption of the illicit gin.

“So we are doing everything to make sure that such things don’t happen again. I have already summoned a meeting of all those that are into sales of alcohol and we are going to place a ban on illicit gin,” the traditional ruler said.

 

Speaking in the same vein, the chairman of Etsako West local government council, Mr. Yesufu Busari, who also confirmed the incident, said he got report “that two people have died and three others are still critically ill at the hospital.”
Busari said the council would liaise with relevant stakeholders, especially dealers of the local gin, to educate and enlighten the people on current happenings. He appealed to people of the council to desist from consuming illicit gin.

Efforts to get comment from Edo state police command spokesman, DSP Abiodun Osifo, yielded no result as calls made to his cell phone went unanswered.

Ogogoro has caused more pains than relaxation for many as it would be recalled that a driver was few months ago arrested by police in Benin after he crushed his friend to death moments after they enjoyed locally distilled gin, popularly called “ogogoro.”

The incident happened on Monday, September 28 when the driver who worked for a private firm in the state visited his 80-year-old friend, Pa Eghobawaye, who was the oldest man in Nekpenekpen street, off First East Circular road in Edo.