At least 30 students of Our Lady Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were taken to hospital on Wednesday after a suspected gas leak caused breathing difficulties within the school.
Witnesses said panic broke out when fumes spread across the premises, leaving several students and some staff struggling to breathe. The incident is believed to have been linked to substances possibly released from nearby carbide cylinders.
Ola Oresanya, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, confirmed that those affected were quickly transported to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for treatment. He said most of the students are now in stable condition, with some already discharged.
The commissioner explained that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the fumes. He noted that there are no gas pipelines, industrial facilities, or registered gas vendors in the immediate area, raising concerns that the incident may be connected to human activity.
According to Oresanya, officials inspecting the surroundings identified a bush close to the school where metal-related work may have been taking place. He added that some teachers described the smell as similar to carbide, suggesting the possibility of a cylinder-related incident in the area.
Authorities have assured residents that efforts are underway to establish the cause of the incident, while urging calm as further details are expected.
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