Fresh Ogun School Gas Leak: Scores of Students, Staff Hospitalized

A third suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has left dozens of students and staff members hospitalized.

Victims were on Wednesday rushed to the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and acute weakness from inhaling a pungent, offensive odor that swept through the school during morning classes.

Persecondnews recalls that this marks the third mysterious leak in the area within two months.

A leak in April hospitalized 40 students, while a second incident in May affected nearly 100.

Ogun State Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya previously stated that environmental monitoring equipment had flagged methane gas as the likely source of the toxic emissions.

“The gas leak occurred during school hours, and students and teachers suddenly noticed a pungent smell that caused discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic.

“Some of the affected students and staff were taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment. A number of them were still receiving medical attention as of Wednesday. The common complaints were weakness, discomfort and, in some cases, loss of consciousness.

“The government must urgently get to the root of this problem. This is the third incident in two months, and residents are becoming increasingly worried about the health implications,” the resident said.

Oresanya confirmed the incident and said the state government had identified the source of the gas leak.

“Yes, I am aware of the incident. Through our installed monitoring devices, we have detected the source of the gas emission. The leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles School, Ijebu-Ode,” he said.

While the commissioner stated that measures are underway to prevent future leaks, advocacy groups are demanding faster action.

John Eko, National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, appealed directly to Governor Dapo Abiodun for a permanent resolution.

Eko termed the recurring situation alarming, highlighting fears over the long-term health impact on exposed residents.

“It is disturbing that this mysterious gas leak has occurred again for the third time in two months. No one can accurately determine the damage prolonged exposure may be causing to the health of residents.

“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to identify the cause and provide a permanent solution. The safety and wellbeing of the people must remain a priority,” he said.