Ogun State's gas emissions hospitalize over 300 students

More than 300 students and teachers in Ogun State have been hospitalized due to recurring incidents of unusual gaseous odours between April and October 2026. The incidents primarily occurred in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding communities, leading to symptoms such as fainting and breathing difficulties.

The first major incident took place on April 1 at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where at least 30 students and one teacher were hospitalized after a gaseous substance spread across the school. Following this, the Ogun State Government ordered the school's closure and initiated investigations.

Governor Dapo Abiodun established a situation room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, for free treatment of affected individuals. A second incident on May 15 affected over 100 students and teachers across multiple schools, with elevated methane concentrations detected in the area.

The state government continues to investigate the source of these emissions, which have raised significant safety concerns for schools and communities.