Chemical Odour Incident: Ogun Govt Activates Emergency Response in Ijebu Ode
The Ogun State Government has activated emergency environmental and public health response measures following another chemical odour incident that affected over 90 students across different schools in Ijebu Ode.
The incident, which occurred barely one month after a similar outbreak in the town, reportedly affected students from schools including Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Sambadola Private School, among others. Many of the affected students were rushed to health facilities, with some reportedly complaining of abdominal pain and related symptoms.
Top government officials, including the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, visited affected students receiving treatment and urged parents and residents to remain calm while medical and environmental experts continue investigations into the incident.
Speaking on the development, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, disclosed that the state’s Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School detected elevated methane gas concentrations within parts of the affected area, recording peak readings of about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.
According to Bello, although the methane level remains below the lower explosive limit, the concentration is environmentally significant and requires immediate technical investigation and precautionary action. He noted that the monitoring system forms part of the Ogun State Government’s environmental surveillance initiative aimed at ensuring early detection of air quality abnormalities and timely intervention.
He further stated that the government has activated a multi-agency response team comprising environmental regulators, emergency management officials, public health experts, and technical air quality specialists to investigate the source of the odour and recommend appropriate measures.
Residents were advised to avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are perceived and to immediately report symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or respiratory discomfort to nearby medical facilities.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, environmental safety, and the wellbeing of residents while assuring the public that verified updates would continue to be provided as investigations progress.
Source
Ogun Commissioner of Information, Ola Oresanya writes:
The @OGSG_Official wishes to inform the public that the Air Quality Monitoring devices installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School has recorded elevated methane (CH₄) concentrations within its monitoring coverage area in Ijebu Ode, with peak readings of approximately 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.
The deployment of the Air Quality Monitoring station at Ijebu Ode Grammar School forms part of the State’s continuous environmental surveillance programme designed to provide early detection of abnormal air quality conditions and support timely public health interventions.
While the recorded methane concentration is below the lower explosive limit, the level is considered environmentally significant and requires immediate technical investigation and precautionary response.
In response, the @OGSG_Official will activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response services, and technical air quality experts to:
* determine the source of the emissions,
* assess spatial extent and exposure risk,
* and evaluate associated gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other relevant atmospheric parameters.
Residents are advised to remain calm and continue normal activities while avoiding open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are detected. Any symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort should be promptly reported to nearby health facilities.
The @OGSG_Official remains fully committed to safeguarding lives, p
ublic health, and environmental integrity. Further verified updates will be communicated as investigations progress.
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