The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the reported deaths of some residents in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, amid suspicion that the incidents may be linked to poisoning.

The affected communities include Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Orita New Town, where reports of multiple deaths under similar circumstances have raised concerns among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command said it was collaborating with the Ondo State Government and relevant health authorities to establish the actual cause of the deaths.

According to the statement, Police Medical Services personnel are working with officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Health and health authorities in Odigbo Local Government Area to collect relevant information and evidence.

It added that medical and toxicological examinations were also being conducted to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

The police cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance, stressing that investigations and laboratory analyses were still ongoing.

“The actual number of casualties and the precise cause of the deaths will be established through the ongoing investigation,” the Command said.

The police urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing information that could assist in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Residents were also advised to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, assured the public that the Command would work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incidents and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.

The Command said it would continue to liaise with the state government and other relevant agencies and provide further updates as credible findings emerge.