The Ogun State Government has disclosed that all persons admitted at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, following a chemical inhalation incident in some schools within the town, have been discharged.The incident, which occurred on Friday, left over 100 students and teachers hospitalised after inhaling a suspected poisonous gas emission. The victims were drawn from Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and other public schools within the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. The affected individuals had complained of stomach aches, weakness, and breathing difficulties before being rushed to medical facilities.
The Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, made the disclosure during an engagement with parents, guardians, and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School. Speaking on the health status of the victims, Coker said, “There were persons admitted at the Ijebu-Ode State Hospital and others at Ijebu-Ife who were affected by the methane emission.” She further stated, “Altogether, we had adults and children admitted, and I am glad to say that all have been discharged. They are hale and hearty.”
Coker explained the physiological impact of the emission on the human body, clarifying that the substance involved was methane gas. The health commissioner said, “Methane is a non-toxic gas; however, it competes with oxygen, which our body and brain need to function properly, and that is why it is of concern to us.” She noted that while the gas behaves differently depending on the level of exposure, the situation remained under control. Coker added, “In mild concentrations, it may not produce symptoms, but moderate exposure can cause fatigue, rapid heartbeat and breathing difficulties.” She also noted, “In severe cases, it could lead to convulsion or unconsciousness, but we thank God that none of the patients recorded severe symptoms in the last 24 hours,”
The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Kehinde Bello, confirmed that an air quality monitoring device installed at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane concentrations within parts of the affected area.The monitoring equipment recorded peak methane readings of about 13,500 parts per million in surrounding locations. Environmental officials stated that although the concentration remained below the lower explosive limit, the level was considered environmentally significant and required immediate technical investigation. The state government immediately activated a multi-agency response team involving environmental regulators, emergency officials, public health experts, and air quality specialists to determine the source of the emission.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, visited the affected students while they were receiving treatment and urged residents to avoid panic.Arigbabu warned against the spread of false information capable of causing tension in the community. Assuring the public of the administration's commitment to safety, Arigbabu said, “I want to assure residents that the government will continue to prioritise the welfare of students and provide a safe learning environment.” The government has also announced plans to deploy strategically positioned ambulance crews to all wards in Ijebu-Ode to ensure prompt emergency responses.
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