The Ogun State Government and the Federal Government have started a joint investigation into repeated methane gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities following four reported incidents.
A team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside development partners, is currently investigating the source of the emissions and ways to prevent further occurrences.
The state government announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The investigation team is being led by Omonedo Prosper, Deputy Director of the NUPRC. The experts are examining the pattern of the gas emissions and possible sources following preliminary discussions with state government officials.
Residents of the affected communities have continued to complain about unpleasant smells, raising concerns about possible environmental and health risks.
The NUPRC delegation reportedly assured the state government of its commitment to working with relevant agencies to identify the cause of the problem and recommend lasting solutions.
Akinmade said the state government would make the investigation findings available to the public and implement appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.
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He added that affected residents would receive necessary health support and monitoring. The communities requiring attention include Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East and Odogbolu, alongside other areas in Ogun East.
The government stressed that cooperation with federal agencies and research institutions was necessary to address the problem.
It also promised to implement the recommendations of the investigation team once the exercise is completed.
Earlier, Professor Ikhane Phillips, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, explained that scientific tests would help determine the composition and origin of the gas.
He said geochemical analysis would identify the nature of the emissions, while geophysical investigations would help establish their possible underground source and movement.
Phillips added that findings from site inspections and laboratory tests would guide the authorities in deciding the appropriate measures.
Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the state was working with the Federal Government to resolve the situation.
He urged residents to follow precautionary measures whenever they noticed unpleasant odours and encouraged improved communication to address public concerns.
Oresanya also assured residents that the gas was not lethal.
Meanwhile, Ijebu Para’po Info Media commended Governor Abiodun and the NUPRC for their intervention, expressing hope that the investigation would produce a permanent solution.
The latest development comes after a gas leak incident in October reportedly affected more than 100 schoolchildren, who were taken to different hospitals after inhaling an offensive substance.
The affected pupils received treatment at the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other medical facilities.
Among the schools worst affected were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye.
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