More than 100 students from several secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, were reportedly hospitalised on Wednesday after another gas leak affected the areas.
The students received treatment at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, General Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo and other health facilities after inhaling a harmful gas.
Affected schools included Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye.
A viral video showed students fainting and being rushed to hospitals. A teacher said the incident began around 10 a.m., leaving students and staff struggling to breathe.
“Some schools in Ago-Iwoye had to close for the day around 11 a.m. as the situation became increasingly horrible and unbearable.”
The teacher added that parents rushed to collect their children, expressing concern over repeated incidents since April.
According to reports, this is the fourth occurrence. About 40 students were affected in April, over 120 were hospitalised in May, and 69 received treatment on June 1. The gas was identified as methane.
Governor Dapo Abiodun previously said the government was investigating with relevant agencies and Olabisi Onabanjo University experts.
Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya said, “We are on top of the situation.”
Environmental Agency General Manager Kehinde Bello linked the latest incident to underground emissions and geological fault lines, ruling out sabotage or a pipeline leak. He assured residents that the situation was under control and advised those exposed to cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs instead of nose masks.
