About 10 students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, are receiving treatment in government hospitals after inhaling a poisonous gas and collapsing on Tuesday.
The Oyo State Government responded swiftly to the emergency at the tertiary institution after receiving a distress call.
Upon hearing about the incident, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, led an immediate emergency response.
The affected students were quickly evacuated and taken to Ring Road State Hospital and the University College Hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the students, from the Science Laboratory and Technology Department, were seated in their lecture hall after a course test when a fight broke out between two students.
“While others tried to stop the fight, an unknown choking substance was released into the air, allegedly sprayed by one of the students. This caused several students to collapse, while some lost consciousness. About 10 students were affected,” an eyewitness said.
Following the intervention, Ajetunmobi confirmed that they had been stabilised and were receiving proper medical care.
She urged the management of the institution to conduct a thorough investigation to find those responsible and ensure they face justice.
She also stressed the importance of sensitisation programmes for students to discourage violence and harmful behaviour that could put lives at risk.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all Oyo State residents and will continue to respond promptly to health-related emergencies,” she reassured.
The Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo, appreciated the state government’s swift response, promising to identify and punish those responsible.
Source: Punch News
