Again, Gas Leak Affects Ogun Schools, Over 100 Students Hospitalised

A suspected gas leak in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, affected over 100 students and teachers from several schools, forcing many to be hospitalised as the government launched investigations and emergency safety measures.

Fear spread across Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after another suspected gas leak reportedly affected more than 100 students and teachers in several schools across the town. The incident happened less than two months after a similar case led to the hospitalisation of many students.

Some of the affected schools include Anglican Girls’ Grammar School in Obalende and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School at Epe Garage, along with other nearby public schools.

Many students and teachers were rushed to the Ogun State General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode and other private hospitals after complaining of stomach pain, dizziness, weakness and discomfort. Videos shared online showed frightened students running out of school buildings while teachers tried to help those who collapsed.

One teacher appealed to the government and concerned Nigerians to urgently support the affected victims.

An eyewitness described the situation as worse than the previous gas leak incident recorded in the town earlier this year. According to the source, hospitals became overcrowded as parents struggled to get medical care for their children, while several students were taken to private clinics.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident and said emergency response teams had already been deployed. He explained that officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), security agencies and local government authorities were working together to investigate the cause of the gas emission.

The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and OGEPA Managing Director Kenny Bello also visited affected areas to monitor the situation and ensure victims received treatment.

The state government later revealed that an air quality monitoring device installed at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School detected high methane gas levels in parts of the town. According to Oresanya, methane concentrations reached about 13,500 parts per million in some locations.

Although the methane level was reportedly below the explosive limit, the commissioner said it remained dangerous enough to require urgent investigation and safety measures.

A special environmental and public health team has now been set up to identify the source of the gas leak, assess health risks and check for the presence of other harmful gases such as hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds.

Residents were advised to stay calm but avoid open flames or anything capable of causing ignition in areas where unusual gas smells are noticed. People experiencing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches or breathing difficulties were also encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.

The Ogun State Government assured residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and promised to provide updates as investigations continue.

READ ALSO: Over 30 Students, Teacher Hospitalised After Gas Leak in Ogun School

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD