The Ogun State Government has said that ongoing investigations into the recurring gas emissions in parts of Ijebu-Ode and its environs have reached a critical scientific stage, with early findings pointing to possible geological activity beneath the affected axis.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, disclosed this on Monday during an interview on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he explained that technical assessments had narrowed the likely source of the emissions to subsurface movements along a suspected linear fault cutting across the town.
According to him, geological evidence gathered so far suggests that the emissions may be linked to activity within the earth’s crust, with experts currently examining whether the phenomenon is tectonic in nature or triggered by human-related underground disturbances.
Oresanya said investigation teams, working with scientific experts, had identified what he described as a straight geological alignment connecting the affected locations, including schools and surrounding communities.
He explained that sensors and field data had helped rule out several earlier assumptions, adding that attention had now shifted to deeper subsurface processes that could be releasing trapped gases through natural fractures.
The commissioner noted that preliminary analysis indicates the presence of methane and traces of hydrogen sulphide, describing both as naturally occurring gases that can be released from underground formations under certain conditions.
As part of immediate containment measures, the state government has ordered the suspension of gas pipeline operations within the affected area to eliminate any possibility of leakage contributing to the situation.
He clarified that the decision was precautionary, stressing that there was no confirmed fault in pipeline infrastructure but that all possibilities must be ruled out in the course of investigation.
Oresanya also confirmed that quarry and mining activities within the axis are under review, noting that vibrations from blasting could potentially influence underground channels through which gases migrate.
He, however, maintained that no final conclusion had been reached, adding that scientific validation remained key before any enforcement action would be taken.
On public safety, the commissioner said monitoring devices had been installed in schools and other strategic locations to track emissions in real time, while emergency response teams had been deployed across affected communities.
He further stated that security agencies, including environmental and safety units, had combed the area to rule out sabotage or deliberate chemical attacks, adding that surveillance evidence so far had not indicated any human interference.
Oresanya dismissed speculation linking the incidents to industrial or criminal activity, insisting that the pattern of occurrence suggested a deeper geological origin.
He also addressed concerns over health impacts, noting that most of the reported hospital cases were mild and largely influenced by panic reactions, although a number of students with underlying conditions such as asthma received medical attention.
According to him, schools remain open under strict safety monitoring protocols, as there is no directive for closure at this stage.
He urged residents and school authorities to remain calm, assuring that the government was working with local and federal scientific institutions, including geological experts, to determine the exact cause of the phenomenon.
Oresanya added that discussions within academic and scientific circles had previously raised concerns about possible long term geological risks in the region, including the potential for seismic activity, which he said must not be dismissed outright during ongoing investigations.
He assured that further updates would be provided as the scientific assessment progresses, while reiterating government commitment to public safety and environmental stability in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding communities.
