Ijebu Ode Gas Leak: Police Assure Public, Urge Calm

A gas leakage incident along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has affected over 100 students and teachers from seven schools, prompting a swift response from the Ogun State Police Command and emergency agencies. The incident, which occurred on Friday, led to immediate evacuations and medical attention for the affected individuals, with no loss of life reported. The Police Command has assured the public that the situation is under control and ongoing investigations are underway to determine the source of the emission.

The affected schools include Our Ladies Grammar School, Epe Garage; Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende; Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Imosan; Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imosan; St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Imosan; St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure; and Orphanage Primary School, Imosan. These institutions are located in close proximity to the area where the gas leakage was detected, raising concerns about environmental and public safety.

This incident follows a similar event just over a month ago, when a chemical odour affected students and staff at Our Lady of Apostles Primary and Secondary Schools (OLAS), resulting in 30 students and two teachers being hospitalised. The recurrence has heightened anxiety among parents, educators, and residents in the area, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and preventive measures.

State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, confirmed the deployment of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and other tactical teams to secure the area and support emergency operations. According to a statement issued by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command’s spokesperson, the situation has been brought under control, and monitoring continues. Victims were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital and private medical facilities for treatment, with all responding positively.

Preliminary environmental assessments from Ogun State’s Air Quality Monitoring infrastructure detected elevated methane gas concentrations in the affected zone. Technical experts and emergency response agencies are now conducting detailed investigations to identify the source and assess potential environmental risks.

Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), described the incident as primarily a security issue rather than a widespread safety concern. He dismissed claims of general air pollution, noting that the effects were confined to specific schools and not the entire town. During his visit to St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure, the State General Hospital, and a private hospital, Bello urged calm, assuring the public that the government is taking all necessary steps to resolve the situation.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to prevent future occurrences and restore confidence among residents and school communities. The incident underscores the need for robust environmental monitoring and rapid response systems in urban areas across Nigeria.