Another gas leak at Ogun school sends students to the hospital

Residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were shaken on Wednesday after another suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage. This incident sent many students and staff members to the hospital for medical help.

The victims were rushed to General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, after they complained of breathing problems, weakness, and other signs linked to the gas exposure.

This incident is the third gas leak reported in the area in just two months. This has raised worries about the health risks for local residents.

The first leak happened in April and sent about 40 students to the hospital. Another leak in May affected around 100 students and also required medical treatment.

Ogun State Government had earlier revealed through the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, that installed monitoring equipment found methane gas as the likely source of the emissions.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, said the latest leak happened during school hours. Students and teachers noticed a strong bad smell on the school grounds.

"The gas leak occurred during school hours, and students and teachers suddenly noticed a pungent smell that caused discomfort, breathing difficulties, and panic.

"Some of the affected students and staff were taken to General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for treatment. Some were still receiving medical attention as of Wednesday. The common complaints were weakness, discomfort, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

"The government must urgently get to the root of this problem. This is the third incident in two months, and residents are becoming increasingly worried about the health implications," the resident said.

When we reached out, Oresanya confirmed the leak and said the government had pinpointed the source of the gas leak.

"Yes, I am aware of the incident. Through our installed monitoring devices, we have detected the source of the gas emission. The leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles School, Ijebu-Ode," he stated.

The commissioner added that the government was taking steps to solve the problem and prevent future occurrences.

Meanwhile, John Eko, the National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to find a lasting solution to the repeated gas leak.

Eko described the latest leak as alarming and worried about the possible long-term health effects on residents exposed to the gas.

"It is disturbing that this mysterious gas leak has occurred again for the third time in two months. No one can accurately determine the damage prolonged exposure may be causing to the health of residents.

"We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to identify the cause and provide a permanent solution. The safety and wellbeing of the people must remain a priority," he said.