Chemical odour hits Ijebu Ode schools, over 90 students affected
Ogun State Activates Emergency Measures Following Chemical Incident Affecting Students
Ogun State officials have initiated emergency environmental and public health measures in response to a chemical odor incident that has reportedly affected more than 90 students in Ijebu Ode.
The state government announced the measures in a statement released via its official account. This incident comes just a month after a similar occurrence in the area, impacting students from several schools, including Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Sambadola Private School.
According to the government, multiple students were transported to health facilities after experiencing abdominal pain and other related symptoms. Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, visited some of the affected students and urged the community to remain calm while investigations are underway.
Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), reported that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated levels of methane gas in the affected area. The device recorded methane concentrations of approximately 13,500 parts per million in nearby locations.
Although the concentration remains below the lower explosive limit, Bello emphasized that the levels are environmentally significant and necessitate immediate technical investigation and precautionary measures.
The state government has assembled a multi-agency response team, consisting of environmental regulators, emergency officials, public health experts, and air quality specialists, to investigate the source of the odor.
Residents have been advised to avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odors are present. Additionally, individuals experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or breathing difficulties are encouraged to seek medical attention.
“The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, environmental safety, and the well-being of residents,” the statement concluded.
