OVER 100 STUDENTS HOSPITALISED AND SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN AS FRESH GAS EMISSIONS HIT OGUN COMMUNITIES

Health authorities and emergency response teams deployed across Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo following suspected chemical leaks in learning institutions

More than 100 students across several secondary schools in Ogun State have been hospitalised after suffering respiratory distress and fainting spells caused by suspected gas emissions that hit multiple communities.

The incident, which affected educational institutions across Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo, led to widespread panic among staff, students, and parents, forcing several schools to immediately suspend academic activities and evacuate their premises.

Among the worst-hit institutions were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School and Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode, where students began experiencing acute breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and sudden loss of consciousness after inhaling toxic fumes. Affected pupils were rushed to general hospitals and comprehensive health centres across the state for emergency medical treatment.

The fresh emission represents a recurring environmental hazard in the area, marking the fourth recorded major gas leak episode impacting public learning facilities in Ogun State in recent months.

Government officials and environmental safety task forces have launched an urgent investigation into the source of the emissions, while health authorities advised residents in exposed zones to remain calm, cover their mouths and noses with damp cloths, and report any further chemical odours to emergency response channels.