Students, teachers hospitalised after fresh gas leakage in Ogun school

A suspected gas leak has sparked concern in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State, after many students and staff members of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School fell ill on Wednesday.

The affected individuals were taken to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode after experiencing symptoms including breathing difficulties, weakness, and general discomfort believed to be linked to exposure to the substance.

Speaking on the development, a resident who requested anonymity said panic broke out during school hours when students and teachers noticed a strong and unpleasant odour spreading across the school premises.

According to the resident, several people began experiencing breathing problems and other health complications shortly afterwards.

“The smell suddenly filled the area during classes, causing distress among students and staff. Many complained of difficulty breathing, weakness and discomfort, while some reportedly lost consciousness,” he said.

The resident added that some victims were still receiving treatment as of Wednesday and urged the government to urgently find a lasting solution to the recurring incidents.

“The community is becoming increasingly worried. This is the third occurrence in just two months, and people want answers about the source and potential dangers of these emissions,” the resident stated.

Confirming the incident, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the government had traced the source of the gas emission through monitoring equipment installed in the area.

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“Data from our monitoring devices has enabled us to identify the source of the emission. The leak is originating from an area behind Our Lady of Apostles School in Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.

The commissioner added that the Ogun State Government has since been taking measures to address the situation and prevent further incidents.

The latest incident is the third of its kind recorded around the school community in less than two months, intensifying fears among residents over the recurring environmental hazard and its possible long-term health effects.

In April, no fewer than 40 students were hospitalised following a similar occurrence, while another suspected gas leak in May affected about 100 students and staff, prompting emergency medical intervention.