Ogun Shuts Schools Again After Over 100 Pupils Hospitalised in Gas Exposure

The Ogun State Government has again shut some schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo after more than 100 pupils were reportedly hospitalised following exposure to an unidentified gaseous emission.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, with affected pupils taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other healthcare facilities for treatment. Schools reported to have been badly affected included Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode, Itamerin Comprehensive High School and schools in Ago-Iwoye.

A teacher at one of the affected schools told Punch that pupils and staff began experiencing breathing difficulties and fainting at about 10 a.m. The teacher, who requested anonymity, said some pupils were rushed to hospitals as the situation worsened.

The teacher added that some schools in Ago-Iwoye closed around 11 a.m., while worried parents arrived to take their children home. The recurring nature of the incident has heightened anxiety among school staff and residents in the affected communities.

Wednesday’s incident was reported to be the fourth occurrence of the gaseous emissions in the Ijebu area since April. Previous incidents reportedly affected about 40 pupils in April, more than 120 people in May and 69 pupils on June 1, prompting repeated concerns about the safety of schools and nearby communities.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously said the state government was working with the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Department of Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University to investigate the source of the emissions. Gas analysers were reportedly installed at affected schools, while preliminary findings identified methane as a possible substance involved.

Kehinde Bello, a senior special assistant to the governor and general manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, visited affected areas and linked the latest incident to previously reported underground gas emissions. He said government investigations suggested a possible geological explanation involving underground fault lines, rather than sabotage or a gas pipeline leak. The precise cause, however, should be confirmed through the final technical investigation.

Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya said the government was responding to the situation, while Bello assured residents that efforts were ongoing to find a lasting solution. He also said the affected pupils were expected to recover after receiving medical attention.

The repeated incidents have renewed calls for a conclusive investigation and effective measures to protect pupils, teachers and residents. Until the source and risks of the emissions are established, clear safety guidance and timely public updates remain important for communities in the affected areas.