The Ogun State Government says it is working to determine the cause of recurring gaseous emissions in the Ijebu axis after another incident disrupted school activities and sent students to hospitals, renewing concerns over the safety of learning environments in the affected communities.
The latest episode occurred on Wednesday, with reports of an unusual odour in parts of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye. Students and staff at several schools reportedly experienced breathing difficulties and other symptoms, prompting emergency medical attention and, in some locations, early closure of school activities.
Schools identified in reports of the incident include Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School. Residents outside school premises also reported detecting the odour, suggesting that the incident may have affected a wider area.
A government assessment team visited the General Hospital, where more than 30 students were reportedly attended to, before inspecting Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School and surrounding locations. Information gathered from students and medical personnel indicated symptoms including shortness of breath, stomach disorders and drowsiness.
Some of the pupils required oxygen, while others received less intensive treatment. Most had been discharged by the time the assessment team left the hospital, although a few remained under observation. Reports also indicated that students from other affected schools were taken to separate medical facilities.
Kehinde Bello, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant and General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, said the situation was under control and urged residents to remain calm. He linked the latest episode to underground gas emissions previously reported in the area and said the government was working towards a lasting solution.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, had similarly attributed earlier incidents to possible natural gas emissions associated with geological formations and tectonic fault lines. Authorities have said the episodes were not believed to have resulted from sabotage or a gas pipeline leak, although the precise source of the latest emissions remains subject to investigation.
A team from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission also joined the assessment. Its involvement is expected to contribute technical expertise as authorities investigate the source and characteristics of the emissions.
The recurring incidents have become a growing concern for schools and families in the area. Previous episodes reported since April have affected pupils at several institutions, including Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode and Anglican Girls Grammar School. Earlier incidents in April, May and June also resulted in students requiring medical attention.
Following an earlier occurrence, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the state was working with relevant federal agencies and the Department of Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University to establish the cause. He disclosed in June that gas analysers had been installed in affected schools and that preliminary findings pointed to methane, while experts continued their investigation.
Despite the government’s assurances, the repeated incidents have left parents and teachers seeking clearer answers on the source of the emissions, the risks they pose and the measures needed to prevent further exposure. Establishing the substance involved and confirming its origin will be crucial to determining an effective response.
For now, the government says the immediate situation is under control, but a lasting resolution will depend on the outcome of the technical investigations and the implementation of measures that can reliably protect students, school staff and residents.
