All 69 students who were hospitalised following a suspected gas leak at a secondary school in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have been discharged, while authorities continue investigations into the source of the recurring incident.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed on Thursday that the affected students received medical treatment and have fully recovered. According to her, most of the students were discharged on Wednesday, while seven who remained under observation overnight were released on Thursday after their conditions improved.
The latest incident occurred at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, where students and staff reportedly perceived a strong offensive odour that triggered panic and health concerns. Several students complained of breathing difficulties, weakness, and discomfort, prompting their evacuation to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for treatment.
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Addressing concerns over the third reported gas leak incident in the area within two months, Coker said the state government was working with environmental experts, geologists, and academics to determine the source of the emissions.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, assured residents that the government was taking the matter seriously and had intensified efforts to uncover the cause of the recurring leaks.
Oresanya disclosed that preliminary investigations pointed to a gas pipeline located about five kilometres from the affected schools as a possible source of the emissions. He said authorities had temporarily shut down the pipeline pending further investigations.
He further revealed that experts identified an underground rock fracture, known as a fault line, running through several affected schools, including St. Anthony Grammar School, Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, and Anglican Girls Grammar School.
According to him, gas escaping underground may be travelling through the fault line and reaching the surface in affected communities.
The commissioner said investigation teams were collaborating with the Federal Government, gas industry operators, and geoscience experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, to determine the exact cause of the incidents.
The latest occurrence is the third gas-related incident reported in the area since April. Earlier incidents reportedly affected about 40 students in April and more than 120 students in May, raising concerns among residents about potential long-term health risks.
Meanwhile, civil rights activist John Eko called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents, warning that residents remain worried about possible health implications from repeated exposure to the mysterious gas.
Residents have also urged the government to find a lasting solution to prevent future occurrences and guarantee the safety of students and surrounding communities.
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