Over 100 Students Hospitalised After Inhaling Methane Gas In Ogun Schools As Teacher Says Emissions Have Persisted Since April
Over 100 students from secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, have reportedly been hospitalised after inhaling a gaseous substance identified in previous incidents as meth@ne.
The worst-affected schools include Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye.
A teacher who spoke anonymously said the incident occurred around 10am, leaving students and staff struggling to breathe and fainting before they were rushed to hospitals.
“Some of the schools in Ago Iwoye had to close for the day around 11am when the situation was becoming horrible and unbearable,” the teacher said.
The teacher added that the gas emissions had reportedly been occurring since April, raising concerns about the safety of students and residents.
“The government has to do something fast to address this situation before it gets too late,” the teacher added.
The latest occurrence is reportedly the fourth incident in the area. About 40 students were affected in April, over 120 were reportedly hospitalised in May, while another 69 students were hospitalised on June 1.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier said the government was working with relevant agencies and geology experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University to determine the cause.
He disclosed that gas analysers installed at affected schools confirmed the presence of meth@ne, while preliminary findings suggested possible geological fault lines.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said, “We are on top of the situation.”
Bello assured residents that the situation was under control and promised that the government would seek a lasting solution. Medical personnel were reportedly attending to the affected students.
