No fewer than 30 students and one teacher have been hospitalised following a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The incident occurred shortly after the school assembly on Wednesday, triggering panic as a gaseous substance reportedly spread across the premises, leaving students and staff struggling to breathe. Several students were said to have collapsed after inhaling the substance, prompting an emergency response.
The affected students and the teacher were rushed to the General Hospital Ijebu Ode for treatment.
Initial reports suggested a possible gas explosion or external pollution, but school authorities and government officials dismissed such claims. The Vice Principal (Junior School), Mrs. Adeola Borogun, described the situation as a strange chemical odour within the school, which led to vomiting and fainting among students.
Sources indicated that the incident may have originated from the school laboratory during a practical session, where a piece of equipment allegedly fell and released a substance that spread across the premises.
The Ola Oresanya confirmed the incident as a gas leak but ruled out the possibility of an explosion or industrial pollution. He said a gas analyser would be deployed to determine the exact nature and source of the substance.
Oresanya added that there were no industrial facilities in the area capable of causing such pollution, noting that all affected individuals were in stable condition.
Also confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Banjo Adeoye, said 30 students and one teacher were treated, with most responding well, though the exact substance involved has yet to be identified.
The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, also confirmed the incident, stating that no lives were lost and all affected students were recovering.
