Ogun State Relocates Students as Methane Gas Probe Intensifies in Ijebu-Ode

Authorities in Ogun State have confirmed the temporary relocation of learners from Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, located in Ijebu-Ode. This decision follows the detection of methane gas in the vicinity, an area that has recently experienced multiple incidents of chemical inhalation. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the move during his visit to the school for an on-site evaluation, emphasizing that the measure was crucial for safeguarding students, educators, and the broader school population while ongoing investigations proceed. Kayode Akinmade, the Governor's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, conveyed this update to journalists in a statement released on Saturday.

Governor Abiodun elaborated that the state administration, in collaboration with its Ministries of Environment and Health, is actively partnering with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Their collective objective is to pinpoint the origin and underlying reasons for the gas emissions. He stated, “We have now documented two distinct instances of pollution affecting this institution and several adjacent schools. Notably, the gas contamination occurred concurrently across approximately three schools involved, on two separate occasions. After the initial event, we deployed gas analysers throughout these schools to ascertain the type and density of the gas, which has since been identified as methane.”

The Governor further quoted, “Initial assessments indicate that geological elements, potentially fault lines shared by these areas, might be contributing to the emissions. We are awaiting the conclusive report from the experts conducting this inquiry.” Abiodun reiterated his government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and residents in the impacted communities, emphasizing that every essential step would be taken to identify the pollution's source and avert future occurrences. He reassured the public of the government's commitment to protecting public health and environmental well-being, promising continuous updates as the investigation unfolds.

Abiodun confirmed, “For now, we have moved the students out of the school premises. Any speculation suggesting these incidents are intentional attacks on schools is baseless and should be dismissed. This situation appears to be a natural phenomenon, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating its root cause. The students have been relocated temporarily, and they will not be permitted to return until we are fully assured that the learning environment is entirely safe and suitable. Our investigation into the cause of this problem will persist, and we will implement all requisite actions to resolve it.”

This recent action by the government comes on the heels of several gas leak occurrences documented in schools across Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Imushin over the past two months. These include incidents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu-Ode. The initial event in April led to approximately 40 students being affected, followed by another exposure in May that reportedly resulted in over 120 students requiring hospitalization. A new incident on June 1 saw 69 more students hospitalized, again linked to the gas now confirmed as methane. Those affected reportedly exhibited symptoms such as losing consciousness, widespread weakness, general unease, and abdominal pain after inhaling the substance.

Other educational institutions previously impacted by these leaks include Our Lady of Apostles Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Obalende, Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School in Imosan, Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School also in Imosan, St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School in Imosan, Orphanage Primary School, and St Anthony Grammar School in Esure, Ijebu Imushin.

Following the most recent occurrence, an anonymous resident recounted that the gas escaped during school hours, triggering alarm among both students and staff. The resident stated, “The gas leak happened while school was in session; students and teachers suddenly noticed an unpleasant odour, leading to discomfort, breathing difficulties, and widespread panic within the school compound. Subsequently, some of the affected students and staff were transported to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for medical care. A number of students remained admitted. The common complaints included discomfort and weakness; some even passed out. The authorities must thoroughly investigate this dreadful situation. This marks the third instance of this dangerous gas leak within two months. The government really needs to act before it’s too late.”

In a related response, John Eko, a civil rights advocate and the National Coordinator for the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, called upon Governor Dapo Abiodun to escalate actions aimed at resolving these persistent incidents. Eko commented, “It was truly alarming to learn that the unexplained gas leak reoccurred this Wednesday, marking the third time in two months. The long-term health implications of inhaling this harmful gas on the residents remain largely unknown. We implore the government to deploy all available resources to establish a lasting resolution to this regrettable situation. This is the minimum the government owes to the populace who elected them.”