The Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following a series of gas leak incidents that have left scores of students hospitalised and heightened concerns over environmental safety in parts of the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision during an inspection of the affected school, saying preliminary investigations had confirmed the presence of methane gas in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the relocation is aimed at protecting students, teachers and other members of the school community while experts continue investigations into the source of the emissions.
The development follows multiple gas-related incidents recorded within the last two months in schools across Ijebu-Ode and nearby Ijebu-Imushin communities, raising fears among residents and parents.
Abiodun said experts from the Ogun State Ministries of Environment and Health are collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University to determine the origin of the methane emissions.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools,” the governor said.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools—about three schools altogether—and this has happened on two separate occasions.”
According to him, gas analysers installed after the first incident confirmed the substance involved was methane.
“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions,” he said.
The governor dismissed speculation that the incidents were deliberate attacks on schools, insisting that available evidence points to a natural occurrence.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded,” he stated.
The latest evacuation follows a succession of health emergencies linked to the gas leaks. About 40 students were affected during the first recorded incident in April, while more than 120 students reportedly required medical attention after another exposure in May. A third incident on June 1 led to the hospitalisation of 69 students.
Witnesses said many victims suddenly perceived a foul smell before developing breathing difficulties, weakness and other symptoms during school hours.
Several affected students were taken to General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment.
Governor Abiodun assured residents that students would not return to the school until authorities are satisfied that the environment is completely safe.
He said investigations are ongoing and pledged that every necessary measure would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
