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Ogun declares full recovery of students, teachers affected by Ijebu-Ode gas leak
The Ogun State Government has confirmed that all students and teachers admitted at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, following Friday’s chemical inhalation incident in parts of the town, have been discharged after medical evaluation and treatment.
However, investigations by officials across the health, environment and security sectors indicate that the incident—linked to suspected methane emissions—has triggered a broader multi-agency response aimed at uncovering the source of the gas and preventing a recurrence.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, affected more than 100 students and staff across several schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
The affected institutions include: Our Ladies Grammar School, Epe Garage; Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende; Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Imosan; Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imosan; St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Imosan; St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure; Orphanage Primary School, Imosan.
During an engagement with parents and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, disclosed that both children and adults were admitted at health facilities in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Ife.
“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.
According to Coker, preliminary findings indicate that methane gas was responsible for the symptoms experienced by students and staff.
She explained that while methane is generally classified as non-toxic, it can displace oxygen in the air, thereby posing serious health risks in confined or concentrated environments.
“Methane is a non-toxic gas; however, it competes with oxygen which our body and brain need to function properly,” she noted.
Health officials reported that moderate exposure may cause fatigue, rapid heartbeat and breathing difficulties, while severe exposure could lead to convulsion or unconsciousness. Authorities confirmed that no severe cases were recorded within 24 hours of the incident.
As part of ongoing investigations, the Ministry of Health has commenced plans to conduct toxicology tests on selected affected students to determine the level of gas exposure.
The state has also formally notified the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) about the incident, indicating that federal health authorities may provide technical support if necessary.
District surveillance nurses, rapid response teams and environmental health officers have already been deployed to the affected communities. Ambulance crews are also being stationed across wards in Ijebu-Ode to ensure faster emergency response.
Coker urged residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual smells or environmental changes through the ministry’s emergency lines.
In a parallel development, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, revealed that gas analysers have been installed around the affected schools to monitor air quality in real time.
Environmental officers are expected to resume monitoring activities in schools from Monday, as authorities attempt to trace the possible source of the methane emission.
Though officials have yet to publicly identify the origin of the gas, experts say methane emissions can result from decomposing organic waste, underground pipeline leaks, landfill activity or natural geological seepage—raising questions about environmental safety standards in the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the state police command, in collaboration with the School Protection Squad established by the Inspector-General of Police, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and other specialised departments, has been deployed to secure the area.
Ojajuni confirmed that drones are currently being used to conduct aerial surveillance of the affected environment.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, appealed to parents to remain calm, assuring them that student safety remains a top priority.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, with some calling for an independent environmental audit to determine whether industrial activity, waste management failures or underground infrastructure issues may have contributed to the emission.
As investigations continue, authorities insist that there is no immediate danger, but they have pledged sustained monitoring until the exact source of the methane is conclusively identified.