Gas Leak leaves over 100 students and teachers hospitalised in Ijebu-Ode as authorities launch emergency investigation

A fresh gas leak in Ijebu-Ode has left more than 100 students and teachers hospitalised after several schools were affected by toxic emissions on Friday, triggering panic across the town.

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Among the affected schools are Anglican Girls’ Grammar School and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, alongside other public institutions within the area.

Many of the victims were rushed to the Ogun State General Hospital and several private medical facilities after complaining of stomach pain, dizziness and severe weakness.

A viral video circulating on social media showed frightened students fleeing school premises as teachers struggled to assist pupils who reportedly fainted during the frightening incident.

One of the affected teachers appealed for urgent government intervention and support for students receiving treatment.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, described the latest Ogun Gas Leak incident as more devastating than a similar occurrence recorded in the town less than two months ago.

The source said hospitals in the area had become overcrowded with affected students, while several parents moved their children to private hospitals for immediate medical attention.

Officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, led by Chairman Dare Alebiosu, were seen visiting affected locations alongside the Managing Director of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Kenny Bello, to assess the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the state government had activated emergency measures to contain the situation and identify the source of the emission.

According to Oresanya, officials from the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agencies and local government authorities were already working together to manage the crisis.

The commissioner disclosed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane concentrations in the affected areas.

He said the monitoring equipment recorded methane peaks of about 13,500 parts per million in surrounding locations.

Oresanya explained that the monitoring system forms part of the state government’s environmental surveillance initiative designed for the early detection of hazardous air conditions and rapid public health intervention.

Although the methane concentration remained below the lower explosive limit, the commissioner described the readings as environmentally significant and requiring immediate technical investigation.

He added that a powerful multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team had been deployed to determine the exact source of the emission and evaluate possible exposure to other dangerous pollutants, including hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds.

Residents were advised to avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are detected.

The commissioner also urged members of the public experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches or respiratory discomfort to seek prompt medical attention at nearby hospitals.

Ogun State Government assured residents that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.

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A similar incident was recorded nearly two months ago at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where more than 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following another suspected gas leak.