The Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following the confirmation of methane gas in the area affected by recent chemical inhalation incidents.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the school, saying the relocation was necessary to protect students, teachers and other members of the school community while investigations continue.

The development was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.

Abiodun explained that the state government, through the Ministries of Environment and Health, was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, to determine the source and cause of the gas emissions.

He said, “Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools. What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools—about three schools altogether—and this has happened on two separate occasions.

“Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane.”

“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions. We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation,” he was quoted to have said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives of students, teachers and residents of the affected communities, stressing that all necessary measures would be taken to identify the source of the pollution and prevent a recurrence.

He assured residents that the government remained focused on safeguarding public health and environmental safety and would continue to provide updates as investigations progress.

“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded. This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.

“The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return. We will continue to investigate the cause of this situation and take all necessary steps to address it,” Abiodun added.

The latest development follows repeated cases of gas leaks reported in schools in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Imushin over the last two months, including at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu-Ode.

The first incident, which occurred in April, affected about 40 students, while more than 120 students were reportedly hospitalised after another exposure in May. On June 1, another 69 students were hospitalised following a fresh incident linked to the gas, which has now been identified as methane.

Victims reportedly experienced symptoms including loss of consciousness, general weakness, discomfort and stomach pain after inhaling the gas.

Schools previously affected include Our Lady of Apostles Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende; Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Imosan; Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imosan; St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Imosan; Orphanage Primary School; and St Anthony Grammar School, Esure, Ijebu Imushin.

Speaking on condition of anonymity after the latest incident, a resident said the gas leak occurred during school hours, causing panic among students and staff.

“The gas leak occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulty and panic within the school premises.

“Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students were still on admission. The general complaint is discomfort, weakness; some of them even fainted.

“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we shall be experiencing this hazardous gas leak. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the resident said.

Also reacting, a civil rights activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, John Eko, urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to intensify efforts to address the recurring incidents.

“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again today Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas has been doing to the health of the residents.

“We just beg the government to please use everything at their disposal to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people that voted them into office,” Eko said.