Students Hospitalized Due to Methane Emissions in Ogun State Schools

In Ogun State, Nigeria, many secondary school students were hospitalized following a recent outbreak of methane emissions. This incident took place on Wednesday morning and impacted students at Anglican Girls Grammar School in Obalende, Ijebu-Ode, and Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School.

Students were taken to general hospitals in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo for medical care. The strong smell of methane disrupted classes in Ago-Iwoye, leading some schools to close early and send students home. Parents and teachers expressed concern and rushed to hospitals to check on the affected students.

Kehinde Bello, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, visited the affected areas to assess the situation. He explained that this recent methane emission is linked to underground gas emissions that have been reported in Ijebu-Ode since April. Bello assured the public that the government is working to find a long-term solution.

He stated that investigations show the emissions are a natural occurrence tied to geological features in the area, rather than a result of sabotage or gas pipeline leaks. Bello urged residents to remain calm and reported that most of the affected students were expected to recover after receiving treatment.

According to Bello, over 30 students experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath and drowsiness. While some required oxygen, others only needed minor medical attention. As of his last visit to the hospital, most students had been discharged, but a few remained under observation.

Residents exposed to the odor were advised to cover their noses and mouths with wet cloths. The recent emissions have raised concerns about their effects on schools and the safety of children in the community. The Ogun State Government previously attributed similar methane emissions to natural underground causes, dismissing rumors linking them to spiritual beliefs or security issues.