The Ogun State Government has again shut some schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo after more than 100 pupils were hospitalised on Wednesday following exposure to an offensive gaseous substance, the fourth such occurrence in the Ijebu area since April. Punch, TheCable and the Guardian reported the incident, which began around 10am when pupils and staff began experiencing breathing difficulties and fainting.
What happened on Wednesday?
Videos shared on social media showed pupils fainting and being rushed to hospitals after inhaling the substance, which the state government had previously identified as methane. Affected pupils were taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other facilities. The worst-hit schools included Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye. Schools in Ago-Iwoye closed for the day and sent students home.
What is the government saying caused it?
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, linked Wednesday's odour to the underground gas emissions that have recurred in Ijebu-Ode since April 2026, saying the state is on top of the situation. The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Kehinde Bello, visited the affected areas and said investigations indicated a natural occurrence associated with geological and tectonic fault lines, ruling out sabotage and gas pipeline leaks as causes.
How bad is the pattern this year?
The April incident affected about 40 pupils of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode. More than 120 were hospitalised after a May exposure, 69 on June 1, and Wednesday's episode pushed the cumulative count higher again. Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier said gas analysers installed across the schools confirmed methane, and that preliminary findings point to geological factors, with a final professional report still awaited.
Why are parents frustrated?
Teachers and parents told reporters the recurrence without a published final root-cause report or a permanent mitigation plan leaves families anxious each time school resumes. The affected pupils are expected to recover after medical attention, but the repeated closures disrupt learning, and residents are advised to cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs rather than wear nose masks, per the state's advisory.
What happens next?
The state says it is monitoring the situation and exploring measures to find a lasting solution. What families and school authorities will be watching for is the long-promised final report on the emissions, and concrete measures, from monitoring stations to school closure protocols, that address a hazard that has now struck four times in seven months.
FAQ
Q: How many pupils were hospitalised in Ogun State?
A: More than 100 pupils across Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo on Wednesday, according to Punch and TheCable.
Q: What is causing the gas emissions?
A: The state government says investigations point to natural underground methane emissions associated with geological and tectonic fault lines, not sabotage or pipeline leaks.
Q: How many incidents have there been this year?
A: Four since April: April (about 40 affected), May (over 120 hospitalised), June 1 (69) and Wednesday's episode.
Sources: Punch, TheCable, The Guardian Nigeria, The Eagle Online, The Point.
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