Another gas leakage incident has hit Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, affecting over 100 students and teachers just weeks after a similar event at a secondary school in the area. The latest incident occurred on Friday, prompting emergency responses and hospitalizations as students from Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Epe Garage, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and other institutions were evacuated. This follows a previous gas leak on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Our Lady of Apostle Primary and Secondary Schools (OLAS), which led to the admission of at least 30 students and two teachers at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously ordered the immediate closure of the affected school and launched an investigation into the cause of the first incident. He also directed the establishment of a situation room at the General Hospital to provide free medical care to affected students and residents in nearby communities including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto, and Oke-Aje market. Despite these measures, the recurrence of the gas leakage has raised concerns about environmental safety and infrastructure in the area.
A viral video on Facebook showed students fleeing one of the affected schools, with teachers helping fainting students into vehicles for medical attention. Affected individuals were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and several private medical facilities in the town. The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident and stated that the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agencies, and the local government are actively involved in response efforts.
Oresanya revealed that air quality monitoring devices recorded elevated methane levels in the area, with peak readings reaching approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations. The monitoring device, installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School, is part of the state’s environmental surveillance programme aimed at detecting abnormal air quality conditions and enabling timely public health interventions. A multi-agency team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, and air quality experts has been activated to determine the source of the emissions and assess risks from other gases like hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Residents have been advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas with unusual gas odours, and report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort to nearby health facilities. The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, public health, and environmental integrity, promising to release further verified updates as investigations continue. This recurring crisis underscores the urgent need for long-term solutions to prevent future gas leaks in Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities.
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