Fresh panic gripped residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, on Wednesday, after another suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, left scores of students and staff members requiring medical attention.
The affected victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, following complaints of breathing difficulties, weakness, and other symptoms linked to exposure to the gas.
The latest incident marks the third reported case of a mysterious gas leak in the area within two months, raising concerns about its potential health implications for residents.
The first incident, recorded in April, reportedly left about 40 students hospitalised, while another leak in May affected about 100 students and necessitated medical intervention.
The Ogun State Government had earlier disclosed, through the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, that monitoring equipment installed in the area detected methane gas as the likely source of the emissions.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the latest incident occurred during school hours when students and teachers perceived a strong offensive odour within the school premises.
“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 the 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 contacted, Oresanya confirmed the incident and said the state government had identified 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 was taking necessary steps to address the situation and prevent further occurrences.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure a lasting solution to the recurring gas leak.
Eko described the latest incident as alarming and expressed concern over the possible long-term health effects on residents exposed to the emissions.
“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.
Source: Punch
