At least 100 students and teachers were reportedly hospitalised on Friday after exposure to a suspected chemical odour in parts of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The incident reportedly affected students and staff of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, located around Epe Garage.
According to reports, several students suddenly began experiencing symptoms including stomach pain, weakness, breathing difficulties, dizziness and discomfort after allegedly inhaling the unidentified substance.
The affected victims were rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, while others were reportedly taken to nearby private hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said relevant government agencies had already begun emergency interventions to address the situation.
According to him, the Ministries of Environment and Education, security agencies, as well as local government authorities, are jointly responding to the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, Oresanya disclosed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected unusually high methane concentrations in surrounding areas.
He explained that the monitoring system recorded methane levels of approximately 13,500 parts per million (ppm).
The commissioner, however, noted that the concentration remained below the lower explosive limit but still required urgent technical investigation and precautionary measures.
He added that the state government would immediately activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team to determine the source of the emission and evaluate possible health risks.
According to him, the investigation team will also assess exposure levels and identify whether other harmful gases may be present in the environment.
Oresanya urged residents not to panic, advising members of the public to continue their normal activities while avoiding open flames or fire near areas where unusual gas odours are perceived.
He also advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort to seek immediate medical attention.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over environmental safety and public health in the affected communities as parents and residents await the outcome of the government’s investigation.
