At least 100 students and teachers have been hospitalized following exposure to a suspected chemical odour at schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Friday, May 15.
The affected schools include Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage.
Reports indicate that several students began experiencing stomach pain, weakness, and breathing difficulties after inhaling the unidentified substance. The affected individuals were immediately rushed to the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, while others were taken to nearby private medical facilities for treatment.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the incident, stating that relevant government agencies have already begun coordinated interventions.
According to him, the Ministries of Environment and Education, alongside security agencies and local government authorities, are working jointly to address the situation.
He further disclosed that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane levels, recording about 13,500 parts per million (ppm) in surrounding areas.
Although the methane concentration was said to be below the lower explosive limit, officials described it as significant enough to require urgent investigation and precautionary measures.
The state government has activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team to determine the source of the emission, evaluate health risks, and check for other possible gases in the environment.
Residents have been advised to remain calm and continue normal activities, while avoiding open flames in areas where unusual gas odours are detected.
Those experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Investigations are ongoing.