The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of two individuals, suspected to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, following the alleged consumption of a hard drug believed to be laughing gas (nitrous oxide). The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, in the Oke-Ola Phase II area of Isara-Remo, Ogun State. Two other individuals involved in the incident are currently hospitalised.
Details of the Incident
According to a community resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, four students were involved in consuming the substance. “The incident actually happened on Tuesday. What we learnt was that the students were taking what they called laughing gas. Two of the students died as a result of taking the hard drug, while two others were hospitalised,” the source said.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident on Thursday, July 23. “The Ogun State Police Command is investigating a suspected drug-related incident where two persons were found dead, and two others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming hard drugs,” he stated. Babaseyi added that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue for autopsy, while the survivors are receiving medical treatment. “The deceased have been deposited for autopsy, while the survivors are receiving medical treatment. Investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Warning Against Drug Abuse
DSP Babaseyi issued a stern warning: “The Command warns against drug abuse and urges members of the public to avoid illicit substances.” Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a medical anesthetic with legitimate uses but can be dangerous or even fatal when misused recreationally. The police are urging anyone with information about the source of the drugs to come forward as the investigation continues.
