By Our Reporter
The Ogun State Police Command has deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and other tactical teams to Ijebu Ode following suspected methane gas emission that hit over a dozen schools and residential areas in the town.
The police command which confirmed the environmental incident that caused not a small panic among school students and residents in parts of the ancient town, said the swift deployment was meant to secure the affected areas, support emergency operations, and maintain public safety.
The frightening situation – which multiple sources claimed left more 100 students hospitalised – has been brought under control by security agencies and the Ogun State Government.
•Some of the affected on hospital beds.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, he said the incident occurred along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis of Ijebu-Ode after reports of a suspected chemical emission affecting residents and students in nearby communities.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, immediately deployed the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and other tactical teams to secure the affected area, support emergency operations, and maintain public safety.
Police patrol teams attached to the Obalende Division reportedly responded swiftly after receiving distress information and activated emergency measures, including evacuation and crowd control operations.
Several schools within the affected area were temporarily impacted by the incident. They 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; and Orphanage Primary School, Imosan.
Affected students and residents were evacuated to the General Hospital and other private medical facilities for treatment. The police said no fatalities were recorded and confirmed that all victims are responding positively to medical care.
Preliminary findings from the state’s Air Quality Monitoring infrastructure indicated elevated methane gas concentrations within the area. Authorities said technical experts and emergency response agencies are conducting further investigations to determine the source of the gas emission and evaluate possible environmental risks.
The Commissioner of Police has also ordered intensified surveillance and increased security presence around the affected communities to prevent panic and support ongoing assessments.
While assuring residents that the situation remains calm and under close observation, the police urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
Residents were further advised to avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odors are detected and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that it would continue to collaborate with the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies to ensure public safety and environmental security.
…OGEPA GM Dismisses Pollution Claim Over Chemical Odour
Meanwhile, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has dismissed allegations linking the recent chemical odour incident in some schools in Ijebu-Ode to air pollution.
Bello explained that the incident appears to be more of a security concern than an environmental safety issue. According to him, the situation cannot be classified as air pollution since it was limited to a few secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Mushin areas, contrary to claims circulating in some quarters that the entire town was affected.
He stated that the incident involved a strange chemical odour perceived in different secondary schools within the affected communities.
The OGEPA boss made this known during visits to St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure, the State Hospital, Esure, and a private hospital in the area.
Bello appealed to residents, parents, and guardians to remain calm, assuring them that the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies are taking necessary steps to address the situation.
Earlier, a medical doctor at the State General Hospital, Esure, Dr. Victor Nathaniel, disclosed that 15 students were brought to the hospital following exposure to the offensive odour. He said 12 of the affected students were from private schools, while three were from public schools within the same vicinity.
According to him, the students complained of discomfort caused by inhaling a foul-smelling and irritating chemical substance.
Also speaking, the doctor on duty, Dr. Farouk Raji, said some of the students were brought in unconscious, with weak pulse rates, but added that their conditions had stabilized after receiving medical attention.
Dr. Raji further revealed that five patients had already been discharged, while others are still receiving treatment at the facility.
