Tension gripped parts of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across multiple schools in the area.
The incident, which is the second reported gas leak in the town within two months, impacted schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School.
Several affected students were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital and other private medical facilities in the town for treatment.
Videos circulating on social media showed students fleeing from school premises while teachers and emergency responders assisted those who reportedly fainted during the incident into vehicles for urgent medical attention.
A teacher in one of the videos appealed to authorities and members of the public to assist in addressing the emergency situation.
An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as more severe than a similar gas leak reported in the town in April.
“I am right now at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode and I can tell you that the previous gas leak which happened last month is a child’s play when compared to this one. The whole hospital here is full and some parents have even taken their children to private hospitals for treatment.
“The affected students are complaining of stomach ache and they are weak. This incident also affected multiple schools and over 100 students are said to be affected,” the eyewitness said.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said government agencies had already been mobilised to the affected locations.
“I am aware of the situation, and necessary action is being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agents, and the local government,” he stated.
Officials including Dare Alebiosu and Kenny Bello were also seen visiting affected schools and medical facilities to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
In a statement issued later on Friday, the Ogun State Government disclosed that air quality monitoring devices installed in the area detected elevated methane concentrations.
“The Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School has recorded elevated methane (CH4) concentrations within its monitoring coverage area in Ijebu Ode, with peak readings of approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations,” the statement said.
According to the government, the monitoring equipment forms part of the state’s environmental surveillance system for early detection of abnormal air quality conditions.
Oresanya explained that although the methane concentration remained below the lower explosive limit, the situation was still environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
“In response, the state government will activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response services, and technical air quality experts to determine the source of the emissions, assess spatial extent and exposure risk, and evaluate associated gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other relevant air quality parameters,” he said.
Residents were advised to remain calm while avoiding open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are perceived.
The government also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or breathing difficulties to immediately seek medical attention.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
The latest incident comes weeks after another gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School reportedly hospitalised at least 30 students and one teacher in April following exposure to a gaseous substance shortly after morning assembly.
