Fear and confusion swept through parts of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State after more than 100 students and teachers were reportedly hospitalised following exposure to a suspected chemical odour that spread across some secondary schools in the area.
The frightening incident occurred on Friday, May 15, with reports indicating that the affected schools included Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School located around the Epe Garage area of Ijebu Ode. According to eyewitness accounts, students and teachers suddenly began complaining of severe discomfort shortly after inhaling the strange substance that reportedly spread through the environment.
Several victims were said to have experienced stomach aches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, weakness, nausea, and fainting, creating panic within the school premises as teachers and residents rushed to help affected students. Videos and photos circulating online showed emotional scenes as students were evacuated from the schools while emergency responders and concerned residents struggled to control the situation. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The affected students and members of staff were immediately rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, while others were reportedly taken to nearby private medical facilities for urgent medical attention. Witnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic, with anxious parents and guardians flooding hospitals and school premises in search of their children after news of the incident spread across the community.
Authorities in Ogun State have since confirmed the incident and assured residents that investigations are already underway to determine the exact source of the suspected chemical emission. The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed that relevant agencies had begun emergency interventions to prevent further exposure and ensure public safety.
According to the commissioner, environmental monitoring devices installed around Ijebu Ode detected unusually high concentrations of methane gas in parts of the area. Reports stated that the Air Quality Monitoring Device positioned at Ijebu Ode Grammar School recorded methane concentrations of about 13,500 parts per million in surrounding locations. Although officials noted that the concentration was still below the lower explosive limit, they stressed that the discovery required urgent technical investigation and precautionary measures.
Oresanya explained that the state government had activated a multi agency environmental and public health response team involving the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, local authorities, and security agencies. He said the team would work together to identify the exact source of the emission, assess the level of exposure, and determine whether other harmful gases were present within the affected environment.
Residents of the area have been advised to remain calm while avoiding naked flames or fire around locations with unusual gas smells until investigations are concluded. The commissioner also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, respiratory discomfort, or nausea to seek immediate medical attention.
The incident has triggered serious concern among parents and residents, especially because a similar gas related scare reportedly occurred in the same area just weeks earlier. In April, dozens of students and a teacher from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School were also hospitalised after inhaling a strange gaseous substance within the school premises. Authorities at the time ruled out an explosion and began investigations into a possible gas leak or chemical contamination.
Many Nigerians reacting online expressed fears over the safety of students in schools and called on the government to carry out a comprehensive environmental assessment of the affected communities. Others questioned whether there could be hidden environmental hazards in the area that have not yet been properly identified.
The latest development has once again highlighted growing concerns about environmental safety, emergency preparedness, and public health protection in school environments across Nigeria. As investigations continue, residents of Ijebu Ode remain anxious while hoping authorities can quickly uncover the source of the dangerous odour and prevent another frightening occurrence.
