Scores of students hospitalised as fresh gas leaks hit schools in Ogun

Residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have been thrown into fresh panic on Wednesday following another reported gas leak that affected students and staff of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende.

The incident left scores of students and school workers requiring medical attention at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.

The first incident, which occurred in April, reportedly led to the hospitalisation of about 40 students. A similar occurrence was recorded last month, with nearly 100 students affected and treated for symptoms linked to gas exposure.

The repeated incidents have heightened anxiety among parents, school authorities and residents, who are calling on relevant agencies to identify the source of the leaks and implement measures to prevent further occurrences.

The state government had earlier disclosed that monitoring equipment deployed to the area detected the presence of methane gas, which officials identified as the substance responsible for the recurring incidents.

A resident, who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the latest episode occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour that triggered panic across the school premises.

“The gas leak incident occurred again during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” the resident said.

“Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students were still on admission. The general complaints were discomfort and weakness, while some of them even fainted.”

The resident urged the government to urgently investigate the recurring phenomenon and provide a lasting solution.

“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we are experiencing this hazardous gas leak. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.

When contacted, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the latest incident and assured residents that the government was actively addressing the situation.

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According to him, authorities have identified the source of the gas emission through monitoring devices installed in the area.

“I am aware of this gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our installed monitoring devices. The gas leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.

Meanwhile, a civil rights activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign (FFRC), John Eko, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent resolution to the recurring gas leak.

Describing the development as alarming, Eko expressed concern over the possible long-term health consequences of repeated exposure to the unidentified emissions.

“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again on Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas may be doing to the health of residents,” he said.

“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people who entrusted them with leadership.”

Residents have continued to call for a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions, amid growing fears over public safety and the wellbeing of students and communities living around the affected area.

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