A suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, is prompting renewed scrutiny of safety measures in schools after more than 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised on Wednesday.
The incident occurred shortly after the morning assembly when a strange gaseous substance reportedly spread across the school premises, causing panic among students and staff. Witnesses say several affected individuals began coughing, struggling to breathe, and in some cases, collapsed.
Emergency response teams evacuated the victims to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, where they received urgent medical attention. Health authorities confirmed that 30 students and one teacher were treated, with most reported to be in stable condition.
School officials say there was no explosion, but rather an unusual chemical odour detected within the environment. According to the Vice Principal, immediate steps were taken to contact emergency services as symptoms began to spread among students.
While the exact source of the gas remains unclear, early indications suggest it may have originated either from the school’s laboratory during a practical session or from an external source within the surrounding community. Authorities say a possible mishap involving laboratory equipment is also being considered.
Officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Environment say investigations are ongoing, with plans to deploy specialised equipment to determine the nature and concentration of the substance involved. They have ruled out industrial pollution, noting the absence of gas-producing facilities in the area.
Local government authorities, who visited the affected students at the hospital, have assured parents and residents that the situation is under control, with no fatalities recorded. They also advised parents to monitor their children for lingering symptoms.
As investigations continue, the incident is raising broader concerns about emergency preparedness and chemical safety protocols in schools, with stakeholders calling for stricter monitoring to prevent a recurrence.
