Almost 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking alcohol suspected to contain methanol

Drinking locally made alcohol is common in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where it is more affordable and poorly regulated

At least 48 people have died and about 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic concoction suspected to contain methanol, officials said on Thursday.

Banji Ajaka, Ondo state's commissioner for health, said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected and some are being treated in the hospital, he said.