Fresh concerns over public safety have emerged in Ogun State after another suspected gas leak affected Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday, leaving scores of students and staff members hospitalised.
The latest incident, which reportedly triggered breathing difficulties, weakness and panic among students and teachers, is the third gas-related emergency recorded in the area within two months, intensifying criticism of the state government’s response to the recurring environmental threat.
Victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode after a strong and offensive odour reportedly spread across the school premises during school hours, causing distress among students and staff.
The development has renewed concerns among residents and stakeholders who question why similar incidents continue to occur despite previous assurances from the Ogun State Government that the source of the emissions had been identified and placed under monitoring.
Records show that the first gas leak incident in April affected about 40 students, while a second occurrence in May reportedly left nearly 100 students requiring medical attention. Wednesday’s incident has heightened fears that preventive measures introduced after the earlier cases may have been inadequate.
Speaking anonymously, a resident expressed frustration over what many described as a slow response to a growing environmental and public health challenge.
According to the resident, students and teachers suddenly perceived a pungent smell during school hours, leading to breathing difficulties, panic and, in some cases, loss of consciousness.
“This is now the third incident in two months, and people are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of students and residents in the area,” the source said.
The recurring gas emissions have sparked anxiety among parents and community members, many of whom fear that schoolchildren may be facing avoidable health risks.
Earlier, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed that methane gas had been detected in the affected area through monitoring devices installed by the government.
Despite the government’s acknowledgement of the problem and confirmation that the source had been identified, the repeated incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of remedial measures implemented to address the issue.
Confirming Wednesday’s occurrence, Oresanya said authorities had once again traced the gas emissions to a location behind the school.
“Yes, I am aware of the incident. Through our installed monitoring devices, we have detected the source of the gas emission. The leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles School, Ijebu-Ode,” he stated.
While the commissioner assured residents that efforts were ongoing to prevent future occurrences, many observers argue that repeated assurances have done little to calm fears as the incidents continue.
Also reacting, National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to move beyond investigations and implement a lasting solution to the environmental threat.
Eko described the situation as alarming, warning that the long-term health implications of repeated exposure to the gas remain uncertain.
“It is disturbing that this mysterious gas leak has occurred again for the third time in two months. No one can accurately determine the damage prolonged exposure may be causing to the health of residents,” he said.
The latest incident has further intensified calls for urgent government intervention, with residents insisting that stronger action should have been taken after the first and second occurrences.
As concerned parents demand answers, attention is increasingly turning to the state government’s efforts to safeguard lives and prevent what many now describe as a recurring environmental crisis in one of Ogun State’s major communities.
