At least 100 students and teachers were hospitalised on Friday, May 15, following exposure to a suspected chemical odour in several schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The affected institutions include Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage.
According to reports, students complained of stomach aches, weakness, and breathing difficulties after inhaling the substance. The affected individuals were rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, while others were taken to private medical facilities for treatment.
Government Response
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident, stating that relevant agencies have initiated necessary interventions. He noted that the ministries of education and environment, security agencies, and local government authorities are jointly managing the situation.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commissioner revealed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane concentrations. The device recorded methane levels of approximately 13,500 parts per million (ppm) in surrounding areas.
Precautionary Measures
Mr Oresanya explained that while the methane concentration remains below the lower explosive limit, it requires immediate technical investigation and precautionary measures. The state government will activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team to investigate the incident. This team will determine the emission source, assess exposure risks, and evaluate other associated gases in the environment.
The commissioner advised residents to remain calm and continue their normal activities while avoiding open flames near areas with unusual gas odours. He also urged anyone experiencing dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort to seek immediate medical attention.
