The Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following the discovery of methane gas within the school environment.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the school on Friday, saying the decision was taken to protect students, teachers, and other members of the school community while investigations into the incident continue.
Abiodun said preliminary findings from experts confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area, adding that the government was working with relevant agencies to determine the source of the emissions.
According to him, the state government, through the Ministries of Environment and Health, is collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology of Olabisi Onabanjo University to unravel the cause of the pollution.
The governor noted that similar incidents had occurred twice in the school and neighbouring institutions, raising concerns about possible geological factors behind the emissions.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools, about three schools altogether, and this has happened on two separate occasions.
“Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane.
“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions.
“We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation,” he said.
Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that every necessary measure would be taken to identify the source of the pollution and prevent future occurrences.
He also dismissed claims that the incidents were targeted attacks on schools, describing such suggestions as unfounded.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded. This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.
“The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return. We will continue to investigate the cause of this situation and take all necessary steps to address it,” the governor added.
The state government assured residents of the affected communities that updates would be provided as investigations progress and pledged to prioritise public health and environmental safety.
