Lilian Ugwu
The Ogun State Government has activated emergency environmental and public health response measures following a suspected chemical odour incident that affected more than 90 students in Ijebu Ode.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in parts of the town, led to panic in several secondary schools as students suddenly began showing symptoms of illness after exposure to a strong odour.
The state government confirmed the development in an official statement, noting that the affected students were drawn from multiple schools in the area and were immediately taken to health facilities for treatment.
Authorities said the latest incident comes less than a month after a similar occurrence was reported in the same axis, raising renewed concern among residents over possible environmental risks.
According to reports, the affected students complained of symptoms including abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and general discomfort after a strong chemical-like smell was noticed in parts of the community.
More than 90 students were reportedly affected across several secondary schools, including girls’ schools, grammar schools, and a private school in Ijebu Ode.
The sudden development caused panic within school premises as teachers and staff quickly evacuated students and provided first aid before some of them were taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.
Medical personnel are currently attending to the affected students, while authorities said most of them are in stable condition and under observation.
Following the incident, government officials, including the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, visited some of the affected students receiving treatment in hospitals.
During the visit, the officials assured parents and residents that investigations had begun to determine the cause of the odour and the source of the environmental disturbance.
They also urged residents to remain calm while technical teams continue their work and advised school authorities to report any unusual environmental changes immediately to relevant agencies.
Environmental officials stated that air quality monitoring devices installed in parts of Ijebu Ode recorded unusual readings during the incident.
The General Manager of the state environmental protection agency disclosed that the system detected elevated methane gas concentrations in affected areas, with peak readings reaching about 13,500 parts per million.
Officials explained that although the readings are below the lower explosive limit, they are considered significant and require urgent investigation and safety measures.
The state government has activated a multi-agency emergency response team made up of environmental regulators, health officials, emergency responders, and air quality specialists.
The team has been directed to investigate the source of the odour and determine whether it is linked to industrial activity, gas leakage, waste disposal, or other environmental factors.
Authorities said the goal is to ensure immediate safety for residents and prevent a repeat of the incident.
Residents of Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities have been advised to stay alert and report any unusual odours in their environment.
They were also warned to avoid open flames and other ignition sources in areas where strange smells are detected.
Health officials further advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or breathing difficulties to seek medical attention immediately at nearby health facilities.
The latest development has raised concern among residents as it is the second reported incident in the area within a short period.
Parents and community members have called for urgent action to identify the cause and prevent further occurrences.
Schools in the affected area have also adjusted their activities as precautionary measures while awaiting further government directives.
The Ogun State Government has assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and protect public health.
It said investigations are ongoing and that the findings will be made public once completed.
Authorities added that they remain committed to ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and residents in the affected communities as efforts continue to identify the source of the chemical odour.