Ogun Moves Students to Safety as Gas Emissions Hit Schools in Ijebu-Ode

Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following repeated cases of gas-related incidents within the school environment.

The decision comes after several students were hospitalised in separate incidents linked to suspected gas emissions around the school and neighbouring communities.

The first incident occurred on April 1 when at least 30 students were rushed to hospital after reportedly inhaling an unidentified gas. A similar situation was recorded again in June, leading to fresh concerns about the safety of learners and staff.

Speaking during an assessment visit to the school, Governor Dapo Abiodun said preliminary investigations confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area.

According to the governor, the relocation is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students, teachers, and other members of the school community while experts continue investigations into the source of the emissions.

He explained that the state government is working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Ministries of Environment and Health, as well as geologists from Olabisi Onabanjo University to determine the cause of the problem.

Abiodun noted that three schools in the area had recorded similar incidents within the same period.

“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools,” he said.

“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred around the same time in the affected schools, and this has happened on two separate occasions.”

He revealed that gas analysers installed after the first incident confirmed that the substance involved was methane.

The governor added that early findings suggest the emissions may be linked to geological formations beneath the affected communities.

“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

Abiodun dismissed claims that the incidents were targeted attacks on schools, describing such reports as unfounded.

He assured parents and residents that the government would not allow students to return until experts certify the environment as safe.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The repeated incidents have raised concerns among parents and education stakeholders, with many calling for a thorough investigation to prevent further disruption to teaching and learning activities in the affected schools.