Over 100 pupils hospitalised as suspected methane leak hits Ogun schools

Multiple schools across Ogun State were forced to shut down on Wednesday after more than 100 pupils were hospitalised over the exposure to a toxic gas leak.

The incident marks the fourth time such hazardous emissions have disrupted learning and resulted in mass health emergencies in the region since April.

Students from Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye experienced acute breathing difficulties and fainting spells.

Rescue team quickly evacuated the victims to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode and the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo, where doctors are currently administering treatment to them.

The Ogun State Government has assured the public that the situation remains under control and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the emission.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, Kehinde Bello, confirmed that preliminary assessments identified the substance as methane, ruling out sabotage or pipeline leaks.

The government advised the affected communities to stay calm and to use wet handkerchiefs to cover their faces rather than nose masks as plans are underway to mitigate the hazard completely.