CHEMICAL ODOUR SPREADS ACROSS IJEBU ODE SCHOOLS, AFFECTING OVER 90 STUDENTS

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Ogun State Government has activated emergency environmental and public health response measures following a chemical odour incident that affected more than 90 students in Ijebu Ode.

This was contained in a statement posted on the official Ogun State Government account.

According to the statement, the incident occurred about a month after a similar episode in the area and affected students from schools including Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Sambadola Private School.

Several of the affected students were taken to health facilities after reportedly complaining of abdominal pain and other related symptoms.

Senior government officials, including the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, visited some of the students receiving treatment and urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, said air quality monitoring equipment installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane gas levels in parts of the area.

He noted that peak readings of about 13,500 parts per million (ppm) were recorded in surrounding locations.

Although he said the level remains below the lower explosive limit, he described it as environmentally significant and requiring urgent investigation and precautionary action.

The state government said it has activated a multi-agency response team involving environmental regulators, emergency responders, public health experts, and air quality specialists to determine the source of the odour.

Residents were advised to avoid open flames or any ignition sources in affected areas and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or difficulty breathing.

The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, environmental safety, and the wellbeing of residents.