Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a full investigation into a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, which left several pupils hospitalised.
The incident occurred on Wednesday shortly after morning assembly, when a gaseous substance reportedly spread across the school premises, triggering panic among students and staff. Those affected were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for urgent medical attention.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the governor had directed security agencies to immediately determine the cause and nature of the incident. He noted that the outcome of the investigation would help prevent a recurrence.
As part of precautionary measures, the state government ordered the immediate closure of the school. Authorities also established a Situation Room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, to coordinate response efforts and provide free medical care to affected individuals.
“The Situation Room will offer free treatment to students and residents of impacted areas such as Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto, and Oke-Aje market,” Oresanya said.
Residents of nearby communities were advised to remain calm, as officials stated that there was no confirmed security threat linked to the incident.
Oresanya disclosed that experts from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency had been deployed with gas analysers to identify the source and composition of the substance responsible for the leak. Government officials have also visited both the school and the hospital to assess the situation and monitor response efforts.
According to the state government, most of the affected pupils and staff are currently in stable condition, while investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about environmental safety and emergency preparedness in schools and surrounding communities, as authorities work to establish the cause and prevent future occurrences.
