The Ogun State Government has announced that all individuals hospitalized at the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode following a recent chemical inhalation incident in several schools have been discharged after receiving medical care and being declared fit by health professionals.
Commissioner's Briefing
Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, made this known during a meeting with parents, guardians, and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School on Saturday. She stated that the government would deploy ambulance crews to all wards in Ijebu-Ode to ensure rapid emergency response. Each ambulance will be staffed with a driver and a paramedic to respond swiftly to incidents in the area.
Dr. Coker also revealed that a medical response protocol has been established. Under this protocol, any patient taken to secondary health facilities requiring advanced care will be immediately transferred to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
Details of the Incident
“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 said.
Dr. Coker explained that methane is a non-toxic gas but competes with oxygen, which the body and brain need to function properly. “In mild concentrations, it may not produce symptoms, but moderate exposure can cause fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it could lead to convulsion or unconsciousness, but we thank God that none of the patients recorded severe symptoms in the last 24 hours,” she added.
Emergency Response Measures
The commissioner urged residents not to panic in the event of any unusual occurrence and advised them to use the ministry’s emergency response line. She disclosed that district surveillance nurses, nursing officers, and rapid response personnel have been deployed to the community, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has been informed about the incident.
“We have an emergency call centre that operates daily. If you smell, hear, or notice anything suspicious, please alert us immediately so that our personnel can investigate. We have environmental health officials, rapid response teams, and adequate oxygen supply in our ambulances and health facilities across the state,” she said.
Training and Future Plans
Dr. Coker further revealed that the ministry would train teachers from public and private schools, and interested parents would also be trained as community first responders. Emergency response procedures include promptly calling for help and protecting the respiratory system with a wet cloth where methane exposure is suspected.
Toxicology tests will be conducted on some of the affected children to determine the level of gas exposure. “So far, all the cases recorded have been mild or moderate, with no severe cases,” she stated.
Environmental Monitoring
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed that gas analysers have been installed around affected schools to monitor air quality. The government plans to expand the coverage of these analysers across schools in Ijebu-Ode. Experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University are collaborating with the ministry to interpret data collected from the devices.
Oresanya further disclosed that health officers would be deployed to schools in the area beginning Monday. “We have been monitoring these analysers every hour over the past four weeks, especially around this school and other parts of Ijebu-Ode. We are also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment and research institutions to solve this challenge,” he said.
Education Commissioner's Appeal
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, appealed to principals and teachers to help calm students and manage the situation properly. He urged parents and residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare and safety of students. He warned against spreading false information that could cause panic.
“We had a situation yesterday in one of our schools in Abeokuta where someone entered the school premises and packed sand. Principals must remain vigilant. I want to assure residents that the government will continue to prioritise the welfare of students and provide a safe learning environment. With ambulances strategically positioned around the area, there is no need for panic. Residents should simply contact the emergency numbers whenever necessary,” he said.
Police Deployment
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the command, alongside the School Protection Squad established by the Inspector-General of Police, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and other specialised departments, have been deployed to secure schools and surrounding communities. He added that drones are already being used to survey and monitor the affected environment to ensure the safety of students and residents.
