Following three separate chemical inhalation incidents between April and June, the Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students from Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode.
The incidents involved recurring suspected gas leaks that resulted in multiple students being hospitalized.
On April 1, at least 30 students of the school were hospitalised following a suspected gas leak at school.
In June, several students were also hospitalised after another gas leak was detected within the school premises.
It was the third of such incidents recorded in the community between April and June.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the school, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, said preliminary findings confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area.
Abiodun said the relocation became necessary to safeguard the health and safety of students, teachers, and other members of the school community.
He added that the action was aimed at creating an enabling environment for experts to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the source and cause of the contamination.
He noted that the state government, through the ministries of environment and health, is collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the department of geology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, to determine the root cause of the incident.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools,” Abiodun said.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools—about three schools altogether—and this has happened on two separate occasions.
“Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane.
“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions.
“We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation.”
Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives of students, teachers, and residents of the affected communities.
The governor assured residents that the government remains focused on safeguarding public health and environmental safety.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded,” he said.
“This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.
“The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return.”
