The Ogun State Government has ordered the temporary relocation of students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following recurring cases of gas exposure that have affected hundreds of students across schools in the area over the past two months.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision during an inspection visit to the affected school, saying the move was necessary to protect students and staff while experts carry out a detailed investigation into the source of the contamination.
According to the governor, preliminary assessments have confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected locations, raising fresh concerns about the safety of educational institutions within the area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
Abiodun explained that the state government has mobilised a team of experts drawn from relevant agencies and institutions to unravel the cause of the recurring emissions and recommend permanent solutions.
Among those involved in the investigation are officials of the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, as well as geologists from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Expressing concern over the pattern of the incidents, the governor noted that multiple schools had experienced similar occurrences under nearly identical circumstances.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools—about three schools altogether—and this has happened on two separate occasions.
“Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane.
“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions.
“We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation,” he said.
The governor stressed that the safety of students, teachers and residents remains the government’s overriding priority, assuring that no effort would be spared in identifying the origin of the gas and preventing future occurrences.
He also moved to dispel rumours suggesting that the incidents were the result of deliberate human activity targeted at schools, insisting that current evidence points towards a natural phenomenon.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded. This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.
“The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return. We will continue to investigate the cause of this situation and take all necessary steps to address it,” the governor added.
The latest evacuation follows a series of alarming incidents that have shaken communities in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Imushin.
Records indicate that gas exposure incidents have been reported three times within the last two months in schools across the affected areas, including Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School located around the Epe Garage axis of Ijebu-Ode.
The first incident, which occurred in April, reportedly affected about 40 students. A second occurrence in May led to the hospitalisation of more than 120 students, while another 69 students were said to have been admitted for treatment following a fresh exposure on June 1.
In many of the cases, victims reportedly collapsed or lost consciousness shortly after inhaling the gas. Others complained of breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, weakness and general discomfort.
Residents described scenes of panic as students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour during school hours before many began showing symptoms associated with gas inhalation.
One resident, who requested anonymity, said the unexpected episodes triggered confusion and fear among pupils and staff, forcing emergency evacuations and medical interventions.
Several affected students were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment, with some reportedly still receiving medical attention at the time of the latest government intervention.
As investigations continue, residents are anxiously awaiting definitive answers on the source of the methane emissions and assurances that schools in the affected communities can once again operate in a safe environment.
(Ripples)