More than 100 students and teachers were reportedly affected after another gas leak incident occurred in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday.

The incident affected several schools, including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu Ode.

Affected students were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and other private medical facilities within the town for treatment.

A video circulating online showed students running out of one of the affected schools while teachers assisted those who fainted into vehicles for urgent medical attention.

One of the teachers appealed to authorities and members of the public to assist in responding to the emergency.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as more severe than a similar gas leak recorded in the town less than a month ago.

“I am right now at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and I can tell you that the previous gas leak, which happened last month, is child’s play when compared to this one.

“The whole hospital here is full, and some parents have even taken their children to private hospitals for treatment,” the eyewitness said.

The source added that the affected students complained of stomach pain and weakness.

“The affected students are complaining of stomach aches, and they are weak. This incident also affected multiple schools, and over 100 students are said to be affected,” the eyewitness added.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident and said relevant agencies had been mobilised to the affected areas.

“I am aware of the situation, and necessary action is being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agents, and the local government,” he stated.

Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and monitor treatment efforts.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ogun State Government disclosed that air quality monitoring in the area detected elevated methane levels.

“The Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School has recorded elevated methane (CH4) concentrations within its monitoring coverage area in Ijebu Ode, with peak readings of approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations,” the statement read.

According to the government, the monitoring system forms part of the state’s environmental surveillance programme aimed at early detection of unusual air quality conditions.

Oresanya explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, it was still environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
 

“In response, the state government will activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response services, and technical air quality experts to determine the source of the emissions,” he said.

Residents were advised to remain calm, continue normal activities, and avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are noticed.

The government also advised residents experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort to seek immediate medical attention.

The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, public health, and the environment, promising to provide further updates as investigations continue.

The latest incident comes weeks after at least 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, in April.