Over 100 Ogun students hospitalised after inhaling toxic gas

Over 100 students from several secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, were hospitalized on Wednesday after inhaling an offensive gaseous substance in a fresh gas leak incident. The students were treated at State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, General Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo, and other healthcare facilities. Among the worst-hit schools were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye.

A viral video showed students fainting and being rushed to hospitals after exposure to the distressing gas, identified as methane by the government. A teacher at one of the affected schools reported that the incident occurred around 10 a.m., with the students and staff struggling to breathe, some fainting. Schools in Ago-Iwoye had to close for the day by 11 a.m. due to the worsening situation.

The teacher expressed concern about the government's slow response to the mysterious and potentially deadly gas leak, which has been occurring since April and has affected hundreds of students in the past. This is the fourth time the "mysterious gas leak" has caused confusion and anxiety in Ijebu land, with previous incidents affecting about 40 students in April, over 120 students in May, and at least 69 students on June 1.

Governor Dapo Abiodun stated that the government is working with relevant authorities to determine the root cause of the emissions, which preliminary findings suggest may be linked to geological factors, possibly fault lines common to these locations. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, assured that the situation is under control, and schools are expected to reopen once the gas emissions are addressed.