A gas leak at a secondary school in Ijebu Ode left over 30 students and a teacher hospitalised, though all are now stable and no deaths were recorded.
At least 30 students and a teacher were rushed to the hospital after a suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The incident happened shortly after the morning assembly on Wednesday, when an unknown gaseous substance reportedly spread across the school premises, causing panic as students and staff struggled to breathe. Several students collapsed after inhaling the substance, prompting an emergency response.
All affected individuals were quickly taken to the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode for medical attention. While some initial reports suggested a nearby gas explosion, others believed the source might be linked to a chemical release from the school laboratory during a practical session, possibly triggered when equipment fell and released fumes.
However, the school’s Vice Principal (Junior School), Adeola Borogun, dismissed claims of an explosion, describing the situation as a mysterious chemical odour within the school that led to symptoms such as vomiting and fainting. Ambulances were called immediately to handle the situation.
Also speaking on the incident, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed it was a gas leak but ruled out any explosion or industrial pollution. He explained that experts were being deployed with gas analysis equipment to determine the exact type and concentration of the substance responsible. He further noted that there are no industrial facilities nearby that could have caused such pollution.
According to health officials, including the Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital, Dr Banjo Adeoye, all affected victims are currently in stable condition, although the exact cause of the leak is still under investigation.
The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, also confirmed that no lives were lost and that those affected are responding well to treatment.
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