Several secondary school students have been hospitalised following fresh, suspected underground gaseous emissions across multiple communities in Ogun State on Wednesday.
The incidents affected students at Anglican Girls Grammar School (both public and private arms) in Obalende, Ijebu-Ode, as well as students at Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School. Disruption to academic activities was also reported in Ago-Iwoye.
Victims were rushed to general hospitals in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Responding to the outbreak, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, assured the public that the state government is managing the situation effectively.
Following an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Mr. Kehinde Bello, confirmed that the latest incident is connected to similar underground gas emissions recorded in Ijebu-Ode in April.
Dismissing rumours of pipeline leaks or industrial sabotage, Bello clarified that government investigations point to a natural geological event.
“The phenomenon is a natural occurrence associated with geological and tectonic fault lines,” Bello explained, adding that the state government is actively exploring measures to find a permanent solution to the recurring emissions.
Bello urged local residents to remain calm and assured them that the hospitalised students are expected to make a full recovery.
As a protective measure against the odor and fumes, the OGEPA chief advised residents in the affected areas to cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs rather than conventional face masks.
