No fewer than 100 students and teachers were reportedly hospitalised on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected multiple schools in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
It was gathered that the incident affected schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.
The affected students were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and several private hospitals within the town for treatment.
A video circulating on social media showed students running out of one of the affected schools while teachers assisted some pupils who reportedly fainted into vehicles for medical attention.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the latest incident was more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in the town less than a month ago.
The eyewitness said, “I am right now at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode and I can tell you that the previous gas leak which happened last month is a child’s play when compared to this one.
“The whole hospital here is full and some parents have even taken their children to private hospitals for treatment. The affected students are complaining of stomach ache and weakness. Over 100 students are said to be affected.”
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said relevant government agencies had been mobilised to the affected areas.
He said, “I am aware of the situation, and necessary action is being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agents, and the local government.”
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting the affected areas to assess the situation and monitor the treatment of victims.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state government disclosed that air quality monitoring in the area recorded elevated methane concentrations.
The statement read, “The Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School has recorded elevated methane concentrations within its monitoring coverage area in Ijebu Ode, with peak readings of approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.”
The government added that although the methane concentration remained below the lower explosive limit, it was environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
Oresanya explained that the state had activated a multi agency environmental and public health assessment team to determine the source of the emissions and evaluate possible exposure risks.
Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames in areas with unusual gas odour, and report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties to nearby health facilities.
The state government assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and promised to provide updates as investigations progress.
Recall that in April, over 30 students and a teacher of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, were hospitalised after a similar gas leak disrupted academic activities in the area.
