A fresh gas leak incident has been reported in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday, leaving more than 100 students and several teachers affected across multiple schools.
The incident spread to institutions including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.
Affected students were quickly evacuated and taken to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode as well as nearby private hospitals for urgent treatment.
Footage circulating on Facebook and seen by First Daily showed chaotic scenes as students ran out of classrooms while teachers assisted unconscious pupils into vehicles for medical attention.
A teacher at the scene appealed for urgent government intervention as the situation unfolded.
An eyewitness, who spoke from the hospital, described the latest incident as more severe than a similar case recorded last month in the area.
“I am right now at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode and I can tell you that the previous gas leak which happened last month is a child’s play when compared to this one. The whole hospital here is full and some parents have even taken their children to private hospitals for treatment.
The affected students are complaining of stomach ache and they are weak. This incident also affected multiple schools and over 100 students are said to be affected,” the eyewitness said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed that government agencies had been mobilised to manage the emergency response.
“I am aware of the situation, and necessary action is being taken by the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agents, and the local government,” he said.
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were seen visiting affected schools and hospitals to coordinate response efforts.
In a separate statement, Oresanya said air quality monitoring had detected elevated methane levels in parts of the town.
“The Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School has recorded elevated methane (CH4) concentrations within its monitoring coverage area in Ijebu Ode, with peak readings of approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations,” the statement said.
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He added that the monitoring system is part of a state surveillance programme designed for early detection of abnormal air conditions.
Although methane levels were said to be below explosive limits, officials warned that the readings were significant and required further investigation.
“In response, the state government will activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response services, and technical air quality experts to determine the source of the emissions, assess spatial extent and exposure risk, and evaluate associated gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other relevant air quality parameters,” he said.
Residents were advised to remain calm, continue daily activities, and avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas smells are detected.
They were also urged to report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties to nearby health facilities.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to public safety and said further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
The latest incident comes weeks after a similar gas leak in April at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, which left at least 30 students and one teacher hospitalised following panic triggered by a mysterious gas emission during school hours.