New gas leak at Ogun school sends many to hospital

Panic hit Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Wednesday after another suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage. Many students and staff members needed medical help due to this incident.

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

This latest incident is the third reported case of a strange gas leak in the area within two months. This has raised worries about the health effects on residents.

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

Ogun State Government had previously shared, through the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, that monitoring equipment in the area found methane gas as the likely source of the emissions.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said the latest gas leak happened during school hours. Students and teachers noticed a strong, unpleasant smell at the school.

"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. A number of them 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 reached for comment, Oresanya confirmed the incident and said the state government had found 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 said.

The commissioner added that the government is taking steps to solve the issue and stop it from happening again.

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

Eko described the latest incident 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.