Hundreds of students have reportedly been hospitalised following fresh gaseous emissions affecting schools and communities in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on Wednesday, raising renewed concerns over student safety and the recurring environmental hazard.
The latest incident affected students of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, Ijebu-Ode, and Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, while some schools in Ago-Iwoye suspended academic activities and sent pupils home as a precautionary measure.
The recurrence of the emissions has heightened anxiety among parents, students and residents, particularly following similar incidents previously reported in Ijebu-Ode.
OGEPA links Ogun schools emissions to geological fault lines
The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, who visited the affected areas, linked the latest incident to underground gas emissions recorded in Ijebu-Ode since April 2026.
Bello said the situation was under control, attributing the emissions to natural geological and tectonic fault lines rather than sabotage or a gas pipeline leak.
He assured residents that the state government was working towards a lasting solution to the recurring problem.
Residents advised to take precautions
As concerns over public safety persist, Bello advised residents exposed to the unusual odour to cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs.
The recurring emissions have raised questions about the safety of schools and surrounding communities, particularly as students continue to face disruptions to academic activities.
With fresh incidents reported across multiple locations, residents are awaiting further updates on the government’s investigation and measures to prevent a recurrence.
