By Our Correspondent
National News – More than 100 students and teachers were hospitalised on Friday after a suspected gas leak spread across several schools in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The incident affected Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School near Epe Garage, among other schools.
Victims were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and nearby private hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Witnesses said the gas leak caused panic as students suddenly developed breathing difficulties, stomach pain, dizziness, and weakness during school activities.
Videos circulating online showed frightened students running out of classrooms while teachers and residents helped those who fainted into waiting vehicles for medical attention.
An eyewitness at the state hospital said the latest incident appeared more severe than a similar gas leak reported in the town in April.
According to the witness, hospital wards quickly became overcrowded as parents moved affected children to private clinics across Ijebu Ode for treatment.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the emergency and said government agencies had begun investigations into the source of the leak.
Officials from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, security agencies, the Ministry of Education, and the local government visited affected areas to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.
Authorities disclosed that air quality monitoring devices installed around Ijebu Ode recorded methane concentrations reaching about 13,500 parts per million in some locations.
Although officials said the level remained below the lower explosive limit, they warned that the situation required urgent environmental and public health assessment.
Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames where unusual gas odours are noticed, and quickly report symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort to health centres.
The Ogun State Government also promised continuous updates as investigations into the repeated gas leak incidents continue.
