Panic In Ijebu Ode, As Several Students Are Hospitalised Over Gas Leakage

By Akinwale Kasali

For the third time in less than two months, reoccuring Gas leakage has led to the hospitalization of Students and residents of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

This is as scores of Students and  Staff of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, are receiving medical attention at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.

This present incident marks the third time of the mysterious gas leak within two months, heightening concerns among residents over its potential health implications and environmental impact.

Recall that the first incident happened in April during which 40 Students were  hospitalised, while another gas leak happened I’m May affecting nearly 100 Students who were subsequently treated for exposure-related symptoms.

Following the reoccuring gas leakages, the Ogun 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.

However, residents stated that the latest incident occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour that triggered panic across the school premises.

“The gas leakage 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,” one of the residents stated.

In the same vein, another 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 are 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 leakage. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.

Ola Oresanya, the State Commissioner for Environment, 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.

This development has prompted Civil Rights Activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, FFRC, John Eko, sending a Save-Our-Soul to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent resolution to the recurring gas leak.

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.

“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.”

Disturbed by the reoccuring Gas leak, 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.