Students, Teachers Hospitalised as Another Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools

For the second time in less than two months, another gas leak incident has been reported in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday, affecting over 100 students and teachers.

The incident impacted several schools, including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu Ode, among others.

Affected students were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, as well as other private medical facilities within the town for urgent treatment.

A video circulating on Facebook captured students running out of one of the affected schools while teachers and residents assisted victims who fainted into vehicles for immediate medical attention. One teacher appealed to the authorities and members of the public for urgent intervention.

An eyewitness who spoke anonymously described the situation as more severe than the previous incident recorded last month.

“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and I can confirm that this incident is far worse than the previous gas leak. The hospital is overcrowded, and many parents have taken their children to private hospitals for treatment. Most of the affected students are complaining of stomach pain and weakness. Multiple schools were affected, and over 100 students are reportedly involved,” the eyewitness said.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that relevant agencies had already been deployed to the affected areas.

“I am aware of the situation, and necessary actions are being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agencies, and the local government,” he stated.

Government officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected locations to assess the situation and ensure victims received proper medical care.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ogun State Government disclosed that air quality monitoring in the area recorded elevated methane (CH4) concentrations.

“The Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected increased methane levels within its coverage area, with peak readings of about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations,” the statement revealed.

According to the government, the monitoring system is part of the state’s environmental surveillance programme aimed at detecting abnormal air quality conditions early.

The Commissioner explained that although the methane concentration remains below the lower explosive limit, it is still environmentally significant and requires urgent investigation.

He added that the state government would activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response officials, and technical air quality experts to identify the source of the emissions and assess associated risks.

Residents were advised to remain calm, continue their normal activities, and avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are noticed.

The government also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical attention.

The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, public health, and the environment, assuring residents that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.

Recall that in April, no fewer than 30 students and one teacher were hospitalised after a similar gas leak incident at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode. The incident occurred shortly after morning assembly and caused panic as students and staff struggled to breathe after exposure to the gaseous substance.