Panic in Ogun as Gas Leak Hospitalizes Over 100 Students
The Ogun State Government is investigating an unusual gas leak that caused panic in the Ijebu axis, leading to the hospitalization of more than 100 secondary school students.
Reports of a strange gaseous odor prompted immediate medical attention for affected students across Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, and Ago-Iwoye.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has assured residents that the situation is under control. The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that assessment teams are actively investigating the source of the odor.
Many students experienced symptoms including shortness of breath, stomach issues, and drowsiness after inhaling the substance. While most students were later discharged from the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, some remained under medical observation.
The gas leak has been a recurring issue in Ijebu, with similar occurrences reported since April 2026.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, previously attributed these incidents to natural underground gas emissions, dismissing the possibility of sabotage or pipeline leaks.
A teacher from one of the affected schools described the chaos: students began fainting shortly after the gas was detected around 10 am. Panic ensued, with schools in the area forced to close due to the worsening situation.
Local authorities have confirmed that the odor was not limited to school premises, with residents in neighboring communities voicing similar concerns. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has joined the assessment efforts in hopes of pinpointing the source of the leak.
This alarming event has reignited anxiety among parents and local residents, who demand swift action from the government to resolve the issue.
Previous incidents this year resulted in significant hospitalizations, with over 120 students affected in May alone.
Governor Abiodun has pledged ongoing investigations, stating that geological factors, including fault lines, may be contributing to the emissions. Gas analyzers have been installed in schools to monitor the situation.
As investigations continue, the health and safety of students and residents remain a top priority for the Ogun State Government. Community members are urged to stay vigilant and report any unusual occurrences as the situation unfolds.
