More than 100 secondary school students in Ogun State have reportedly been hospitalised following another outbreak of suspected gas emissions that left pupils and staff struggling to breathe.
The incident occurred on Wednesday across parts of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, triggering panic among students, teachers and parents.
Some of the affected students reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance and were rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other medical facilities for treatment.
Among the schools reportedly affected were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye.
A teacher at one of the affected schools said the incident began at about 10 am, when students and staff started experiencing breathing difficulties. Some schools in Ago-Iwoye reportedly suspended academic activities and sent students home as the situation worsened.
The Ogun State Government said an assessment team visited affected hospitals and school premises to evaluate the situation and investigate the source of the emissions.
According to the government, symptoms reported by affected students included shortness of breath, stomach discomfort and drowsiness. Some students reportedly required oxygen to stabilise their conditions, while others received less intensive medical attention. Most of those treated had been discharged by the time the assessment team completed its visit, although a few remained under observation.
Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, said the latest incident was linked to recurring underground gas emissions previously reported in the area. He assured residents that the government was working towards a lasting solution.
Earlier investigations by the state government had identified methane in connection with previous incidents, with preliminary findings pointing to possible geological and tectonic fault lines. Authorities have said the phenomenon was not linked to sabotage or a gas pipeline leak, although investigations into the latest occurrence are continuing.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, also said the government was monitoring the situation.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the repeated exposure of students and school staff to potentially harmful emissions. Similar incidents have been reported in parts of Ijebu land since April, with dozens of students requiring medical attention during previous outbreaks.
Residents are awaiting the outcome of further investigations as calls grow for effective measures to prevent another occurrence and safeguard schools in the affected communities.
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