Rivers govt bans consumption of local gin after death of 15

The Rivers state government has banned the consumption of local gin, popularly called Ogogoro, following the death of 15 people in Bonny Island and Obio Akpor local government areas of the state.

Roland Whyte, director of disease control in the state ministry of health, said the ban became necessary in order to avoid more deaths from the toxic substance.

On Sunday, 11 people died after consuming the drink alongside dog meat delicacies at a local bar operated by one Friday Dickson in the Woji area of Obio Akpor.

Whyte said officials from the ministry of health have begun sensitising the public on the dangers of consuming toxic substances.

However, he expressed concern that the ministry suffered setback in getting samples of the gin that led to the tragedy because angry youths have destroyed Dickson’s shop.

He also said preliminary findings revealed that the symptoms exhibited by the affected victims include, vomiting and blindness.