By James Ogunnaike
Fresh panic gripped residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Wednesday following another reported gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, leaving scores of students and staff requiring medical attention at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.
The latest incident marks the third occurrence of the mysterious gas leak within two months, heightening concerns among residents over its potential health implications and environmental impact.
The first incident, recorded in April, reportedly left about 40 students hospitalised, while another gas leak last month affected nearly 100 students who were subsequently treated for exposure-related symptoms.
The state government had earlier disclosed that monitoring equipment deployed to the area detected the presence of methane gas, which officials identified as the substance responsible for the recurring incidents.
A resident, who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the latest episode occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour that triggered panic across the school premises.
“The gas leak incident occurred again during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” the resident said.
“Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students were still on admission. The general complaints were discomfort and weakness, while some of them even fainted.”
The resident urged the government to urgently investigate the recurring phenomenon and provide a lasting solution.
“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we are experiencing this hazardous gas leak. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.
When contacted, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the latest incident and assured residents that the government was actively addressing the situation.
According to him, authorities have identified the source of the gas emission through monitoring devices installed in the area.
“I am aware of this gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our installed monitoring devices. The gas leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.
Meanwhile, a civil rights activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign (FFRC), John Eko, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent resolution to the recurring gas leak.
Describing the development as alarming, Eko expressed concern over the possible long-term health consequences of repeated exposure to the unidentified emissions.
“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again on Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas may be doing to the health of residents,” he said.
“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people who entrusted them with leadership.”
Residents have continued to call for a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions, amid growing fears over public safety and the wellbeing of students and communities living around the affected area.
