Ogun State tackles alarming chemical leak affecting students

The Ogun State Government initiated emergency environmental and public health response measures on 15 May 2026 following a chemical odour incident that reportedly affected more than 90 students in Ijebu Ode.

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This multi-agency intervention was confirmed in an official statement released by the state administration, marking the second such occurrence in the region within a single month.

The Ogun State chemical incident primarily impacted pupils from Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Sambadola Private School.

Numerous students were transported to local health facilities after reporting acute abdominal pain and respiratory distress.

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, visited the hospitalised students to monitor their recovery and offer reassurance to their families.

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu urged the local ommunity to remain calm while technical experts work to isolate the source of the airborne contaminant.

Kehinde Bello, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, disclosed that an air quality monitoring device situated at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane gas concentrations.

Kehinde Bello reported that the equipment recorded peak readings of 13,500 parts per million in certain vicinities.

While the current concentration remains below the lower explosive limit, the government has classified the levels as environmentally significant.

This discovery has prompted a rigorous technical investigation to determine the origin of the leak and prevent further exposure to the student population.

The multi-agency team, comprising environmental regulators, emergency officials, and air quality specialists, is now conducting a sweeping assessment of the industrial and geographical landscape of Ijebu Ode.

Residents have been cautioned to avoid open flames in areas where unusual odours persist and to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.

This decisive action underscores the provincial administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of its youngest citizens.

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The Ogun State chemical incident remains under active surveillance as authorities work to restore environmental stability to the affected educational corridor.