Ijebu-Ode Gas Incidents: Ogun Attributes Cause to Natural Geological Shifts

The Ogun State Government has clarified that the recurrent gas emissions observed in parts of Ijebu-Ode and its surrounding areas are a result of natural geological processes occurring underground, effectively debunking any traditional or mythical explanations for the phenomenon. This assertion was made by Dr. Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, during a town hall meeting organized by the state government for stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode's Bisi Rodipe Hall, focusing on the gas emissions.

In a statement released on Sunday, Dr. Oresanya explained that scientific studies have confirmed the emitted gases are predominantly methane and sulphide, originating from geological fractures deep beneath the earth's surface. He further elaborated that these emissions are linked to the extensive Ifewara-Zungeru trans-Atlantic fault line, which traverses from Mojoda, through Ijebu-Ode, into Osun State, and extends all the way to Zungeru in Niger State.

"There is what we call the Ifewara-Zungeru trans-Atlantic line that cuts across Mojoda, Ijebu-Ode into Osun State through Zungeru in Niger State," Dr. Oresanya stated. "That fault line has been there from time immemorial and it has been found out that it connects to the areas where the gas emissions occurred. Coincidentally, all the affected schools are located in that area."

The commissioner also pointed out that the specific areas of Ijebu-Ode experiencing these emissions were historically dense forests with sparse human habitation. Many of the affected educational institutions, he noted, were missionary schools established on land that was largely undeveloped at the time. He added that the government is undertaking further investigations to ascertain whether the methane and sulphide gases are thermogenic or methanogenic in nature, and to determine if Ijebu-Ode possesses significant natural gas reserves.

Concurrently, Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, urged residents to remain calm and adhere to public health advisories. She specifically recommended that individuals cover their noses with wet handkerchiefs during gas emission events, advising against the use of face masks, which she cautioned could pose risks in such situations. Dr. Coker also provided the state’s health emergency helpline, 08112000033, for residents needing assistance.

Professor Abayomi Arigbadu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, informed the public that schools recently closed by the government would resume operations following consultations with the principals of the affected schools and zonal education officers. He appealed to parents for patience, requesting time for the government to finalize all necessary safety and administrative procedures before students return.

Leading the ongoing investigation, Professor Philip Ikhane, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, reiterated the call for calm among residents as experts continue their work. Professor Ikhane also cautioned against activities like borehole drilling and quarry blasting, warning that these could exacerbate existing fault lines and heighten associated dangers.

Several community stakeholders, including Adegbenro Adetayo, Olawale Kukoyi, Monday Ajayi, and Mrs. Morayo Adebanjo, expressed their appreciation for the state government's proactive intervention, encouraging residents and schools to utilize the provided health emergency helpline when necessary.