IJEBU-ODE — Fresh panic erupted across educational institutions in parts of Ogun State after dozens of students were hospitalised following exposure to a toxic gaseous odour emanating across several communities.
The incident, which marks the fourth recurring episode in the region since April, affected several secondary schools across Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo. Among the worst-hit institutions were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School.
Students and staff began inhaling the offensive odour around 10:00 a.m. shortly after morning activities. The situation rapidly escalated into widespread panic as pupils suffered acute respiratory distress, stomach disorders, dizziness, and fainting spells before being rushed to general hospitals and medical facilities. Several schools were forced to shut down early at 11:00 a.m., while anxious parents stormed premises to evacuate their children.
Medical personnel attending to the students administered supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, and observational care to stabilize those affected. While over 30 students were admitted for immediate care at the General Hospital, officials confirmed that most responded well to treatment and have since been discharged, with no fatalities reported.
In response, the Ogun State Government launched a joint assessment led by the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Kehinde Bello. The delegation inspected hospital wards and affected school grounds to determine the source and scope of the exposure.
Addressing the situation, Bello assured residents that the government was actively managing the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that the phenomenon is a natural occurrence tied to subterranean geological and tectonic fault lines running through the Ijebu axis, ruling out pipeline sabotage or gas line leaks.
While technical monitoring continues, environmental authorities advised residents exposed to the odour to remain calm and cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs rather than dry masks to minimize particle inhalation
