For the third time in less than two months, a suspected gas leak has struck Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, leaving several students and staff members hospitalised and raising fresh concerns about public safety in the area.
The latest incident occurred during school hours on Wednesday when students and teachers reportedly perceived a strong and offensive odour that triggered breathing difficulties, weakness, and other health complications.
A resident who spoke anonymously said the affected individuals were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for urgent medical treatment.
“Many of the students and staff complained of severe discomfort and weakness, while some even fainted. Several victims were taken to the hospital, and some remain on admission,” the resident revealed.
Expressing concern over the recurring incidents, the resident called on the state government to take decisive action.
“This is the third gas leak incident within two months. The government must urgently get to the root of the problem before it leads to a major disaster,” he added.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said authorities had identified the source of the leak through environmental monitoring equipment installed in the area.
According to him, investigations traced the emission to a location behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School near Epe Garage in Ijebu-Ode.
“We are aware of the incident and have successfully detected the source of the gas leak using our monitoring devices. The leakage is coming from behind the school premises,” Oresanya stated.
The latest occurrence follows a similar incident on April 1, when at least 30 students of the school were hospitalised after exposure to a suspected gas leak.
Just weeks later, on May 15, another air pollution incident caused panic in the community after a suspected gas leak affected Anglican Girls Grammar School, leaving more than 100 students and teachers requiring medical attention.
In response to the repeated incidents, Oresanya disclosed that the state government has activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, and air quality specialists.
The team has been mandated to identify the exact source of the emissions, determine the extent of exposure, and assess potentially harmful gases, including hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other atmospheric pollutants.
The recurring gas leak incidents have heightened fears among residents and parents, who are demanding swift intervention to safeguard schools and surrounding communities from further exposure.
