Fresh concerns have emerged in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, after another suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School left many students and staff members requiring urgent medical attention. The latest incident, which occurred during school hours, marks the third reported case of a mysterious gas emission affecting the area within the last two months, raising fears among residents, parents, and education stakeholders about the safety of students and the long term health implications of repeated exposure.
According to reports, panic broke out when students and teachers noticed a strong and unpleasant odour around the school environment. Shortly afterward, several individuals began experiencing breathing difficulties, weakness, discomfort, and other symptoms linked to inhalation of the suspected gas. Some victims reportedly lost consciousness, prompting an emergency response that saw affected students and staff rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode for treatment.
The incident has intensified public concern because it is not the first occurrence. In April, a similar gas leak at the same school led to the hospitalisation of more than 30 students and a teacher. Another incident in May affected over 100 students and teachers across multiple schools in Ijebu Ode, forcing many to seek treatment at public and private medical facilities. The recurring nature of the problem has left residents worried about the effectiveness of measures already put in place to prevent future outbreaks. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Ogun State authorities have acknowledged the latest incident and disclosed that environmental monitoring equipment installed in the area had previously detected elevated methane concentrations. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed that the source of the latest gas emission had been identified and traced to an area located behind the school. He assured residents that the government was taking necessary steps to address the problem and prevent further occurrences.
The repeated incidents have prompted renewed calls for urgent intervention. Community leaders and civil society advocates have urged the Ogun State Government to deploy all available resources to uncover the exact cause of the emissions and provide a permanent solution. They argue that continued exposure to unidentified gases could pose serious health risks to students, teachers, and residents living within the affected communities.
Environmental experts have also stressed the need for comprehensive investigations into the source of the emissions. Previous government assessments indicated that while detected methane levels were below explosive limits, the concentrations remained significant enough to warrant concern and further study. Authorities have already activated multi agency teams to investigate the emissions, assess public health risks, and monitor other potentially harmful gases in the area.
As parents anxiously await lasting answers, many residents are demanding stronger safety measures around schools and residential areas in Ijebu Ode. With three incidents recorded in just two months, the pressure is mounting on authorities to find a permanent remedy and restore confidence in the safety of the affected communities.
