The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), has called for urgent government intervention and a full-scale investigation into the suspected toxic gas incident around Our Lady’s Apostles School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The students’ body raised concerns following reports that several students and residents were allegedly exposed to harmful substances, leading to breathing difficulties, panic and emergency hospitalisations.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Tijani Habeebullahi Adekunle, the association described the development as a serious environmental and public safety issue that requires immediate action from relevant authorities.
According to the statement, the incident has intensified concerns over environmental safety, emergency preparedness and the protection of lives within schools and surrounding communities.
NANS stressed that educational institutions must remain safe and conducive environments for learning, insisting that students’ safety should never be compromised under any circumstance.
The association called on the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Ogun State Ministry of Health and other emergency response agencies to launch a transparent and scientific investigation into the incident.
It also urged the government to carry out urgent environmental assessments, air quality evaluations and public health inspections within Ijebu-Ode and nearby communities to prevent a recurrence.
“The silence or delay of responsible authorities in situations of this magnitude can create fear, uncertainty and public distrust. We therefore demand timely public updates, credible communication and proactive emergency response measures capable of protecting lives and restoring public confidence,” the statement read.
NANS Ogun JCC also expressed solidarity with affected students, parents, school authorities and residents while wishing those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
The association added that it would continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure adequate measures are taken to protect students and the wider public.
