A suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, left about 30 students and one teacher hospitalised on Wednesday. The incident occurred shortly after the morning assembly when a strange chemical odour spread across the school compound, disrupting activities and causing panic.
Witnesses reported that several students collapsed, vomited, and struggled to breathe as the air became saturated with the unidentified substance. Emergency responders were quickly contacted, and the affected individuals were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode for urgent treatment.
Vice Principal Mrs. Adeola Borogun explained that the situation escalated rapidly once the odour was detected. According to her, students began fainting and vomiting almost simultaneously, prompting staff to call for immediate medical assistance. She confirmed that emergency teams arrived promptly and evacuated those in distress.
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, dismissed rumours of an explosion. He clarified that the incident was linked to a gas leak from an unknown source. While some speculated that the school laboratory might be responsible, others suggested the substance could have originated elsewhere. Oresanya said officials were already deploying equipment to identify the gas, measure its concentration, and determine its source.
He assured the public that the affected students were responding well to treatment and were in stable condition. His statement aimed to calm fears and counter misinformation circulating in the community.
Ijebu Ode Local Government Chairman, Dare Alebiosu, also visited the hospital to assess the situation. He described the emergency as being under control and urged parents and residents to remain calm. Alebiosu pledged that authorities would conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the cause and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in schools and the need for stronger monitoring of environmental hazards. While the exact source of the gas remains unknown, officials emphasised that investigations were ongoing and that public safety remained the priority.
For now, the school community is focused on recovery, with medical teams ensuring that all affected students and staff receive proper care.
Authorities continue to appeal for patience and cooperation as they work to resolve the matter and safeguard the environment.
