More than 100 students and teachers were rushed to hospitals on Friday following exposure to a suspected chemical odour in several schools across Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The affected institutions include Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among other public schools. Students reported symptoms such as stomach aches, weakness, and breathing difficulties after inhaling the substance.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident and said relevant agencies have initiated immediate interventions. He noted that ministries of education, environment, security agencies, and local government authorities are jointly managing the situation.
Oresanya revealed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane concentrations of approximately 13,500 parts per million (ppm) in surrounding areas. While below the lower explosive limit, the readings warranted technical investigation and precautionary measures.
A multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team will be deployed to determine the source of the emission, evaluate exposure risks, and monitor other gases, including hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds.
The commissioner advised residents to remain calm, avoid open flames near areas with unusual gas odours, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing dizziness, nausea, headaches, or respiratory discomfort.
Oresanya emphasized the government’s commitment to public health, safety, and environmental protection, assuring that verified updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
This is the second such incident in Ijebu-Ode this year. A similar chemical odour at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in April led to the hospitalisation of 30 students and a teacher
