RismadarVoice Reporters
October 21, 2026
More than 100 secondary school students have reportedly been hospitalised following another suspected gas emission incident in parts of Ogun State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of schools and surrounding communities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, affecting schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, where students and teachers reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness and fainting.
Affected students were taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other healthcare facilities for medical attention.
Among the schools reportedly affected were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye.
A teacher at one of the affected schools said the incident began around 10 a.m., when students and staff members noticed an unusual gaseous odour and began experiencing breathing difficulties.
According to the teacher, several students collapsed and were rushed to hospitals, while some schools in Ago-Iwoye suspended academic activities and released pupils early.
The development prompted worried parents and guardians to visit schools and hospitals to ascertain the condition of their children.
Wednesday’s incident is the fourth reported occurrence involving suspected gas emissions in parts of Ijebu land since April 2026.
Earlier incidents reportedly affected dozens of students, prompting investigations by environmental and health authorities.
In June, Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed that gas-monitoring equipment installed in affected schools had detected methane.
The governor said the state government was working with the Ministries of Environment and Health, petroleum regulators and experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University to investigate the source of the emissions.
Subsequent government findings also identified sulphide gases and suggested that underground geological fractures and fault lines could be contributing to the recurring incidents.
Reacting to Wednesday’s development, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the state government was responding to the situation.
Officials of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency also visited affected communities to assess the incident.
The agency’s General Manager, Kehinde Bello, linked the latest occurrence to previous underground gas emissions and said investigations pointed towards natural geological activity rather than a damaged gas pipeline or sabotage.
However, the precise source and composition of the latest emissions have not been conclusively established in the information made public.
Oresanya disclosed that affected students presented symptoms including shortness of breath, drowsiness and abdominal discomfort.
Some required oxygen support, while others received less intensive treatment.
According to the commissioner, most had been discharged by the time officials concluded their hospital assessment, with a few remaining under observation.
The repeated incidents have intensified concerns among parents, teachers and residents, who are calling for permanent preventive measures and clearer information about the environmental risks.
Authorities have continued investigations as affected communities await a lasting solution to the recurring emissions.
