More than 100 secondary school students have been hospitalised following another suspected gas emission that caused breathing difficulties and fainting in schools across parts of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, affecting schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye. The affected students were taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo and other healthcare facilities for medical attention.
Among the schools reportedly affected were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye.
A teacher at one of the affected schools said the incident began at about 10 a.m., when students and staff started experiencing breathing difficulties after inhaling the offensive substance. Some reportedly fainted and were rushed to hospitals, while several schools in Ago-Iwoye closed early as the situation worsened.
The latest occurrence has renewed concerns over recurring gas emissions in the Ijebu area, where similar incidents have been reported since April 2026. About 40 students were reportedly affected in April, more than 120 were hospitalised in May, while another 69 students required medical attention following an incident on June 1.
The Ogun State Government said it was intensifying investigations to establish the cause of the emissions. Officials disclosed that previous tests had detected methane in affected areas, while preliminary findings suggested a possible connection to underground geological and tectonic fault lines.
Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, said the latest incident was linked to underground gas emissions previously recorded in the area. He maintained that the situation was under control and assured residents that the government was working towards a lasting solution.
The government has also involved relevant agencies and geological experts, including specialists from Olabisi Onabanjo University, in efforts to determine the source of the emissions. However, the precise cause has yet to be conclusively established in publicly available reports.
The recurring incidents have heightened anxiety among parents, teachers and residents, with calls for urgent action to protect students and prevent further exposure. Medical personnel were attending to the affected students as investigations continued.
