At least 30 students of Our Lady Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have been hospitalised following a suspected gas leak that occurred at the school on Wednesday.
It was gathered that several students and teachers struggled to breathe when fumes suspected to have emanated from nearby carbide cylinders spread across the premises, sparking panic within the school community.
Ola Oresanya, the state commissioner for environment, confirmed the incident to reporters on Wednesday.
Oresanya noted that the affected students were immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for medical attention.
He said most of the students are now in stable condition, while some have already been discharged, adding that efforts are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“Yes, there was a gas leak around Our Lady Apostles School in Ijebu-Ode. I received the report about two hours ago,” he said.
“Some students were affected—about 30—and they were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode. Most of them are now in stable condition, and some have been discharged.”
However, Oresanya said there were no confirmed signs of a gas leak in the area.
“As I speak to you, I am in Ijebu-Ode with my team. We are trying to trace the source of the gas leak,” he said.
“There is no gas pipeline, gas grid, or industry around the area. Moreover, there is no gas vendor nearby. We suspect there may have been some form of human activity involved.”
The commissioner said that during the inspection, his team discovered a nearby bush and suspects the fumes may have originated from there.
“We have combed the entire area, and during our inspection, we discovered a bush not too far from the school. It is possible that some individuals working with metals there were using gas cylinders,” he said.
“Some teachers also confirmed that the odour that filled the school premises smelled like carbide. So, it is possible that a carbide gas cylinder exploded somewhere.”
He urged parents and residents of the school community to remain calm, noting that more details will be released before the close of work.
