Fresh concerns have emerged in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, following another reported gas leak at two secondary schools, leaving scores of students and staff requiring medical attention and raising fears over a recurring environmental hazard in the area.
The latest incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, marks the third reported gas leak in the area within two months.
Affected students and staff were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, after experiencing symptoms linked to exposure to the suspected gas emission.
The recurring incidents have heightened anxiety among residents and education stakeholders, who are demanding urgent action from the government to address the source of the emissions and prevent further health risks.
According to residents, the latest episode occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived a strong and offensive odour that spread across the school environment, triggering panic and discomfort.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said several students complained of breathing difficulties, weakness and dizziness, while some reportedly lost consciousness.
“The gas leak occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” the source said.
“Some of the affected students and staff were taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received treatment. Some students were still on admission as of Wednesday. The common symptoms were weakness, discomfort and, in some cases, fainting.”
The incident follows two similar occurrences recorded in recent weeks. The first, reported in April, reportedly left about 40 students hospitalised, while a second gas leak last month affected nearly 100 students and staff members.
The Ogun State Government had earlier disclosed that environmental monitoring devices deployed to the area detected methane gas, which officials identified as the likely cause of the recurring incidents.
Confirming Wednesday's development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said government investigators had identified the source of the gas emission through monitoring equipment installed around the affected communities.
“I am aware of the latest gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our monitoring devices. The gas emission is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya stated.
He assured residents that the government was actively working to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, civil rights activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign (FFRC), John Eko, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent solution to the recurring environmental challenge.
Describing the repeated incidents as alarming, Eko expressed concern about the possible long-term health implications for students, teachers and residents exposed to the emissions.
“It was shocking to learn that the mysterious gas leak occurred again for the third time in two months. Nobody knows the extent of the damage prolonged exposure to this gas may be causing to the health of residents,” he said.
“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a lasting solution to this unfortunate situation. That is the least expected of a government entrusted with the welfare and safety of its people.”
Residents have continued to demand a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions, amid growing fears over public health, school safety and the wellbeing of communities living around the affected area.
Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Follow us on Youtube
https://youtube.com/@edutvnigeria
Follow us on LinkedIn -
https://ng.linkedin.com/company/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/edutvnigeria/
