Ogun gas leak causes fresh panic in Ijebu-Ode as students and staff receive treatment after another suspected methane emission incident
Fresh concerns have emerged in Ijebu-Ode after a suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, left scores of students and staff members requiring medical attention on Wednesday, marking the third such incident reported in the area within two months.
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The affected victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, after experiencing breathing difficulties, weakness and other symptoms believed to be linked to exposure to the gas.
The latest Ogun Gas Leak incident has heightened anxiety among residents, who are increasingly worried about the potential health consequences of repeated exposure to the unidentified emissions.
According to a resident who requested anonymity, the incident occurred during school hours when students and teachers detected a strong and offensive odour within the school environment.
“The gas leak occurred during school hours, and students and teachers suddenly noticed a pungent smell that caused discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic,” the resident said.
“Some of the affected students and staff were taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment. A number of them were still receiving medical attention as of Wednesday. The common complaints were weakness, discomfort and, in some cases, loss of consciousness.”
The resident urged authorities to intensify efforts to determine the root cause of the recurring incidents.
The first reported case occurred in April and reportedly left about 40 students hospitalised, while another incident in May affected approximately 100 students and required emergency medical intervention.
Earlier investigations by the Ogun State Government indicated that methane gas was the likely source of the emissions. The findings were announced by Ola Oresanya after monitoring devices were deployed to the affected area.
Confirming Wednesday’s incident, Oresanya said government officials had identified the location from which the gas was escaping.
“Yes, I am aware of the incident. Through our installed monitoring devices, we have detected the source of the gas emission. The leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles School, Ijebu-Ode,” he said.
The commissioner added that the state government was taking necessary measures to contain the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The recurring Ogun Gas Leak has also attracted reactions from civil society groups concerned about public safety.
John Eko called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure a permanent solution to the problem.
Eko described the latest incident as alarming and warned that the long-term effects of repeated exposure remain unknown.
“It is disturbing that this mysterious gas leak has occurred again for the third time in two months. No one can accurately determine the damage prolonged exposure may be causing to the health of residents,” he said.
“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to identify the cause and provide a permanent solution. The safety and wellbeing of the people must remain a priority.”
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The repeated incidents have intensified calls for comprehensive environmental investigations as residents seek assurances that schools and surrounding communities will be protected from further exposure.
