*Photo: Officials of the state government during a visit to one of the affected schools*
The Ogun State Government says it has commenced an emergency environmental and medical response following a fresh outbreak of a suspected chemical odour in parts of Ijebu-Ode, which affected scores of students from different secondary schools in the area.
The incident reportedly disrupted academic activities in some schools after several students suddenly developed health complications, including stomach discomfort and related symptoms, leading to their evacuation to nearby medical facilities for urgent attention.
Schools reportedly affected include Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and Sambadola Private School, among others.
In response to the situation, officials of the state government, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, visited some of the affected students and appealed to residents not to panic, assuring the public that investigations were already underway.
The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) also confirmed that preliminary findings from its air monitoring system indicated unusual methane gas concentration around parts of the affected locations.
According to the agency’s General Manager, Hon. Kehinde Bello, data obtained from the government-installed air quality monitoring equipment in the area showed noticeable gas readings that, although not at explosive levels, require immediate environmental assessment and safety precautions.
He explained that the monitoring infrastructure was established by the state government as part of efforts to strengthen environmental surveillance and enable rapid response to air pollution-related incidents.
Bello further disclosed that a joint response team involving environmental experts, health officials, emergency responders and relevant security and technical agencies has been mobilised to determine the source of the odour and prevent further exposure.
Residents were advised to remain calm but vigilant, avoid activities that could trigger ignition in areas where unusual odours are perceived and promptly seek medical attention in cases of dizziness, breathing difficulty, nausea, or other unusual symptoms.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining environmental safety, assuring residents that necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
One of the failures of the system, especially OGEPA.
Factories in the vicinity should be held responsible.