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

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