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Over 90 Students Discharged After Ogun Methane Leak Incident In Ijebu-Ode

Published

5 months ago

May 17, 2026

Over 90 Students Discharged After Ogun Methane Leak Incident In Ijebu-Ode

The Ogun State Government has confirmed that all students and residents hospitalised following a suspected methane gas leak incident in Ijebu-Ode have been discharged after receiving medical treatment and being certified medically fit.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with parents, guardians and community members at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, one of the schools affected by the environmental incident.

According to the commissioner, the government immediately activated emergency medical response protocols after the incident, ensuring that affected persons received urgent medical attention at designated healthcare facilities across the area.

“There were persons admitted at the Ijebu-Ode State Hospital and others at Ijebu-Ife who were affected by the methane emission. Altogether, we had adults and children admitted, and I am glad to say that all have been discharged. They are hale and hearty,” she stated.

Dr. Coker explained that methane is generally regarded as a non-toxic gas but becomes dangerous when it displaces oxygen needed by the body and brain for proper functioning.

“Methane is a non-toxic gas; however, it competes with oxygen which our body and brain need to function properly, and that is why it is of concern to us,” she added.

The incident reportedly triggered panic across Ijebu-Ode on Friday after a suspected gas leakage caused air pollution in parts of the town, leaving more than 90 students hospitalised.

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The development occurred barely one month after a similar environmental scare was recorded within the community, raising fresh concerns among residents over recurring air quality issues in the area.

Students from several schools, including Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and Sambadola Private School, were reportedly affected by the gas exposure.

Eyewitnesses said several students suddenly collapsed or developed symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, breathing discomfort and nausea during school activities before they were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Videos circulating on social media showed distressed parents and emergency responders evacuating affected students into ambulances as panic spread across the community.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, later confirmed that air quality monitoring devices installed in Ijebu-Ode detected unusually high methane concentrations around affected locations.

According to him, monitoring stations at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School recorded methane readings of about 13,500 parts per million (ppm) in surrounding areas.

“The deployment of the Air Quality Monitoring station at Ijebu Ode Grammar School forms part of the state’s continuous environmental surveillance programme designed to provide early detection of abnormal air quality conditions and support timely public health interventions,” Oresanya said.

He clarified that although the methane concentration detected remained below the lower explosive limit, the level was still environmentally significant and required urgent investigation and precautionary measures.

Environmental experts explained that high methane concentrations in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments can reduce oxygen availability, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fainting and respiratory discomfort.

Following the incident, the Ogun State Government activated a multi-agency environmental and public health emergency response team involving environmental regulators, emergency responders, medical experts and air quality specialists.

According to Oresanya, the team has commenced investigations to determine the exact source of the emissions, assess exposure risks and evaluate the possible presence of other dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds.

Authorities have advised residents to remain calm, continue their normal activities and avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are perceived.

Residents experiencing symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea or respiratory discomfort were also urged to seek immediate medical attention.

The latest development has renewed concerns over environmental safety and public health monitoring in Ogun State, particularly around schools and densely populated communities.

Parents and community leaders have called on the government to strengthen environmental surveillance systems and ensure long-term preventive measures against future gas leak incidents.

Over 90 Students Discharged After Ogun Methane Leak Incident In Ijebu-Ode

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Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

Published

2 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo Police Arrest Cleric Accused of Making 'Protective Charms' for Kidnap Gangs

Edo State police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was taken into custody following the allegation and is being investigated as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported sexual assault.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the arrest during a briefing on the command’s recent operations and security activities across the state.

Ikoedem said the case was being handled as a serious allegation and that investigators would gather the necessary evidence to determine the next legal steps.

The police have not released the identities of the suspect or the alleged victim. Details of the alleged incident, including when it occurred and the circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest, have also not been fully disclosed.

The suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

The case was among several security developments disclosed by the Edo Police Command.

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The command also reported the recovery of a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, with the child subsequently reunited with the family. Police said suspects connected with the incident were arrested.

Seven suspected cult members were also arrested by operatives of the Otuo Division during an intelligence-led operation targeting cult-related activities.

Police further said a joint clearance operation was conducted in parts of Edo North, particularly areas identified as potential hideouts for criminal elements. According to the command, no kidnapping incident was recorded in the affected areas during the period under review.

The command also disclosed arrests linked to an allegation involving the stripping of a young girl and the circulation of material relating to the incident on social media.

The police urged residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people.

The investigation into the alleged rape of the 70-year-old woman in Edo is ongoing, with further action expected to depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

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FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

Published

23 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the national celebration.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, while reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important to national development and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live and work with confidence.

The 2026 celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, following the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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The Federal Government is marking the anniversary under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The anniversary programme was earlier announced as a low-key celebration.

As part of the programme, an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.

The President is also expected to participate in other anniversary activities in Lagos, including the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola at the National Theatre.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria.

The October 1 public holiday applies nationwide, giving workers and other citizens an official day off to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

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Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Published

23 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Five men have been remanded in custody in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were arraigned over the alleged printing and wearing of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

The defendants — Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21 — were arrested on September 25 around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri, according to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Police alleged that the five men conspired to print and wear the T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go”, with the intention of causing a breach of public peace in the area.

They were subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The defendants appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail.

The court remanded the five men in custody and adjourned the matter to October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. The substantive case was also listed for October 26, 2026.

The police case centres on the alleged intention behind the production and wearing of the shirts, with the authorities maintaining that the conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace. The charges, rather than the political slogan alone, form the basis of the criminal proceedings.

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The arrests have generated controversy, particularly over the balance between freedom of expression and public-order laws.

Amnesty International condemned the detention, arguing that wearing a shirt expressing political dissent should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. The organisation called for the men’s release and urged the authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State also condemned the arrests. The party said the men were being detained for expressing a political opinion and called for their immediate release. The party’s position is separate from the police allegations before the court.

There have also been claims that the arrests were politically directed, including an allegation that a senior political figure in Borno ordered the action. However, such claims have not been independently established, and the police report cited in the case does not establish that a political figure ordered the arrests.

The development comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and supporters using different platforms to express criticism of the Federal Government and promote alternative political positions.

The case has consequently drawn attention to the application of freedom of expression, political dissent and public-order laws in Nigeria.

For now, the five men remain defendants in an ongoing criminal case. They have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them have yet to be determined by the court.