Third Toxic Odour Incident Hits Ijebu-Ode in 3 Months as Ogun Traces Source to Methane Leak

Third Toxic Odour Incident Hits Ijebu-Ode in 3 Months as Ogun Traces Source to Methane Leak

IJEBU-ODE, Ogun State – Panic and anxiety swept through the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, when a toxic odour once again polluted the air around Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in the Epe Garage area, forcing students and teachers to scramble for safety. This marks the third recorded incident in three months, following similar outbreaks in April and May that led to multiple hospitalisations across government and private medical facilities in the town.

Multiple eyewitness accounts confirmed that students and their teachers began experiencing sudden discomfort, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and weakness shortly after a pungent, unfamiliar smell was detected on the school premises. Affected individuals were quickly rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, as well as other nearby hospitals, for urgent medical attention. As of press time, no fatalities had been reported, and most affected persons were said to be in stable condition. One teacher, who pleaded anonymity, told reporters: “It was like the air suddenly became heavy and poisonous. Within minutes, students were coughing, gasping, and some even collapsed. We had to act fast.”

Unlike the previous two incidents where official responses were delayed, the Ogun State Government has now provided a specific update on the origin of the leak. The State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident and revealed that government-installed air quality monitoring devices had successfully detected the emission source. The Commissioner stated, “Yes, I am aware of the incident. Through our installed monitoring devices, we have detected the source of the gas emission. The leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles School, Ijebu-Ode.” He added that appropriate technical steps are being taken to contain the leak and prevent a fourth occurrence.

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Following the second incident in May 2026, which affected over 100 students and teachers across multiple schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Adeola Odutola Secondary School, and St. Anthony Esure School, state environmental officials installed real-time air quality monitors. According to official data, those monitors recorded methane gas (CH₄) concentrations ranging from 13,500 to 14,900 parts per million (ppm) in the affected areas. While officials clarified that this level remained below the lower explosive limit, they described it as environmentally significant and capable of causing acute respiratory distress, nausea, and dizziness in humans upon inhalation.

The recurring pattern of gas leaks has raised serious public health concerns in Ijebu-Ode. In the first incident on April 1, 2026, over 30 students and teachers from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School were hospitalised. Then, in the second incident occurring between May 14 and 15, 2026, more than 100 students from five public schools including OLA, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and Ijebu-Ode Grammar School were hospitalised with nausea, weakness, and breathing issues. The latest incident on June 3, 2026, saw several students from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School treated for respiratory distress. Parents and residents have expressed growing frustration, noting that private schools in the same locality were reportedly unaffected during past incidents — a pattern that has fuelled speculation about the leak’s specific origin.

The National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, has appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure a permanent solution. Eko warned that repeated exposure to methane and associated gases can cause long-term health damage, especially in children, and insisted that this situation cannot continue. He also called for full public disclosure of the responsible entity behind the gas leak, as well as compensation for affected families.

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has once again advised residents in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding areas to avoid open flames, sparks, or any ignition sources where a gas odour is perceived. Residents are urged to evacuate the area immediately if a strong chemical or rotten-egg smell is noticed and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, chest tightness, or breathing difficulty develop. It is also advisable to keep windows closed during suspected gas events to reduce inhalation risk.

At the time of filing this report, no formal press release or detailed action plan had been issued by the Ogun State Government regarding sanctions, long-term remediation, or health monitoring for affected students. However, the Commissioner for Environment assured that technical teams remain on the ground and that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.

Third Toxic Odour Incident Hits Ijebu-Ode in 3 Months as Ogun Traces Source to Methane Leak