Fresh panic has again swept through parts of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State after another suspected gas leak was reported on Wednesday, this time affecting Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Epe Garage and Anglican Girls Grammar School in Obalende. The incident left several students and staff members in need of medical attention at the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode.
This latest occurrence is the third of such cases recorded within two months, raising serious concern among residents who are increasingly worried about the safety of schools and the wider environment. Many fear the repeated nature of the incidents points to a deeper issue that has yet to be properly addressed.
Earlier reports indicate that about forty students were hospitalised during the first incident in April. A second episode last month reportedly affected close to one hundred students, all of whom showed symptoms linked to exposure and were treated accordingly.
Authorities had previously confirmed that monitoring devices installed in the area detected methane gas, which was identified as the likely cause of the repeated emissions.
A resident who witnessed the latest episode described how the situation unfolded during school hours. According to the account, both students and teachers suddenly noticed a strong, unpleasant smell that quickly spread across the school environment, triggering confusion and panic. Many reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, weakness, and in some cases fainting before being rushed for medical care. Some of the affected individuals remain under observation at the hospital.
Community members are now urging the government to move beyond temporary responses and focus on uncovering the root cause of the recurring leaks. Concerns are growing that continued exposure could pose serious health risks if the situation is not urgently resolved.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment confirmed awareness of the latest incident and stated that the source of the emission has been traced using installed monitoring equipment. He explained that the gas appears to be emanating from an area located behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode.
Civil society voices have also joined in calling for swift intervention. The National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to treat the matter with urgency, warning that repeated exposure to the unidentified gas could have long term health consequences for residents.
As concerns continue to rise, residents are calling for a full environmental investigation and a lasting solution to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of students and communities in the affected area.
