Over 100 Students Hospitalised as Fresh Suspected Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools

Over 100 Students Hospitalised as Fresh Suspected Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools

Fear and confusion gripped residents of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State on Friday after a fresh suspected gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across multiple schools, forcing many victims into hospitals for emergency treatment.

The latest incident occurred less than two months after a similar environmental scare in the town, raising fresh concerns over public safety and air quality in the area.

Among the affected schools are Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, alongside other nearby public schools reportedly impacted by the strange emission.

Witnesses said students suddenly began experiencing symptoms including stomach pain, dizziness, breathing difficulty, weakness and fainting during school hours, triggering panic among teachers and parents.

Several of the victims were rushed to the Ogun State General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, while others were taken to private medical facilities as worried parents scrambled to rescue their children.

Videos circulating on social media showed terrified students fleeing school premises while teachers and emergency responders struggled to assist affected pupils, some of whom reportedly collapsed during the incident.

One eyewitness described the situation as worse than the previous gas leak recorded in April.

“I am presently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and I can tell you that the previous gas leak incident is nothing compared to what we are witnessing now,” the source said.

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“The hospital is overcrowded with affected students, while some parents have taken their children to private hospitals for treatment. Multiple schools were affected, and over 100 students are said to have been impacted.”

Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the government had activated emergency response measures to contain the situation and investigate the source of the suspected emission.

According to him, officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), security agencies and local government authorities have been mobilised to assess the affected areas and coordinate emergency response efforts.

The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, alongside OGEPA Managing Director, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected communities and hospitals to monitor the situation and ensure victims receive proper medical attention.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ogun State Government disclosed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane gas levels in parts of the town.

The Commissioner revealed that methane concentration peaked at about 13,500 parts per million in some locations.

He explained that although the concentration remains below the lower explosive limit, it is still environmentally significant and requires urgent technical investigation.

The government has now activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team made up of environmental regulators, emergency personnel and air quality experts.

The team is expected to determine the exact source of the emission, evaluate the level of exposure risk and investigate the possible presence of other hazardous gases, including hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds.

Residents have also been advised to avoid open flames and ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are noticed until investigations are concluded.

The latest incident has renewed public anxiety in Ijebu-Ode following a similar case in April at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where dozens of students and a teacher were hospitalised after inhaling a strange chemical substance during morning assembly.

The repeated incidents have intensified calls for a comprehensive environmental investigation into possible industrial pollution, underground gas seepage or other environmental hazards threatening schools and residential communities in the area.

As investigations continue, concerned residents and parents are demanding urgent and lasting solutions to prevent another recurrence of the frightening situation.

Over 100 Students Hospitalised as Fresh Suspected Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools