Ogun Shuts Schools as Over 100 Pupils Are Hospitalised After Gas Emissions

The Ogun State Government has ordered the closure of some schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo following a fresh gas emission incident that reportedly left more than 100 students requiring medical attention.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, when students and staff at several secondary schools reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, with some fainting after exposure to an unusual gaseous odour.

The affected students were taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other healthcare facilities for treatment.

Schools reportedly affected include Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among parents, teachers and residents over the recurring emissions, which have affected schools in the Ijebu area several times since April.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the government was investigating the latest occurrence and had begun efforts to determine the source and extent of the emissions.

He said the situation was under control, adding that affected students were receiving medical attention. Some students reportedly required oxygen, while others received treatment for symptoms including breathing difficulties, stomach discomfort and drowsiness.

Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, linked the incident to underground gas emissions previously recorded in the area. He said preliminary government findings suggested a possible connection with geological and tectonic fault lines rather than sabotage or a gas pipeline leak.

The government had previously identified methane in earlier incidents, although investigations into the recurring emissions have yet to provide a conclusive explanation for the latest occurrence.

A team from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission also visited the affected areas to participate in the assessment and investigation.

Previous incidents in April, May and June reportedly resulted in dozens of students being hospitalised, raising questions about the effectiveness of measures to prevent further exposure.

The state government has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to establish the cause and find a lasting solution to the problem.

The latest school closures underscore growing concerns about the safety of students and school staff as authorities continue investigating the recurring emissions.