More than 100 students and teachers were reportedly hospitalised on Friday following another gas leak incident in Ijebu Ode, less than two months after a similar occurrence in the town.
The incident affected several schools, including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu Ode, among others.
Victims were taken to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, as well as private medical facilities within the town for treatment.
A video shared on Facebook showed students fleeing one of the affected schools while teachers assisted those who had fainted into vehicles for urgent medical attention.
One of the teachers appealed to authorities and members of the public to support emergency response efforts.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in the town last month.
“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and I can tell you that the previous gas leak incident is nothing compared to this one. The hospital is overcrowded and some parents have moved their children to private hospitals for treatment,” the eyewitness said.
According to the source, many of the affected students complained of stomach aches and weakness, while several schools were impacted by the incident.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that relevant agencies had been mobilised to the affected areas.
“I am aware of the situation, and necessary action is being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agencies and the local government,” he said.
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were seen visiting affected locations to assess the situation and ensure victims received proper medical attention.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state government disclosed that air quality monitoring devices installed in the area detected elevated methane levels.
According to Oresanya, the monitoring device located at Ijebu Ode Grammar School recorded methane concentrations of about 13,500 parts per million in surrounding areas.
He explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, it was still environmentally significant and required detailed investigation.
The commissioner added that the state government would activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team involving environmental regulators, emergency responders and air quality experts to determine the source of the emissions and assess possible health risks.
Residents were advised to remain calm, continue normal activities and avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are perceived.
The government also urged residents experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or breathing difficulties to seek medical attention immediately.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, public health and the environment, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Recall that in April, at least 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised after a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode shortly after morning assembly, causing panic among students and staff.
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