Fresh panic swept through residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Wednesday after another reported gas leak affected Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, with several students and staff members rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment.
The latest incident is the third reported case of the mysterious gas emission within the last two months, raising fresh concerns among residents over possible health risks and environmental dangers.
The first incident, which occurred in April, reportedly led to the hospitalisation of about 40 students, while another episode recorded last month affected nearly 100 students who received treatment for symptoms linked to gas exposure.
The Ogun State Government had earlier revealed that monitoring devices deployed in the affected area detected methane gas, which officials said was responsible for the recurring incidents.
A resident, who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the latest occurrence happened during school hours when students and teachers suddenly noticed a strange odour that caused panic within the schools.
“The gas leak incident occurred again during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” the resident said.
“Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students were still on admission. The general complaints were discomfort and weakness, while some of them even fainted.”
The resident called on the government to urgently investigate the repeated incidents and provide a permanent solution.
“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we are experiencing this hazardous gas leak. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.
Speaking on the development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the latest gas leak and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to tackle the situation.
He disclosed that authorities had already traced the source of the emission through monitoring equipment installed around the area.
“I am aware of this gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our installed monitoring devices. The gas leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.
Meanwhile, a civil rights activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a lasting resolution to the repeated gas leak incidents.
Describing the situation as disturbing, Eko warned about the possible long-term health implications of continuous exposure to the emissions.
“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again on Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas may be doing to the health of residents,” he said.
“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people who entrusted them with leadership.”
Residents have continued to demand a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions amid growing concerns over public safety and the wellbeing of students and residents living in the affected communities.
