Panic in Ijebu-Ode as Suspected Chemical Odour Hospitalises Over 90 Students Across Multiple Schools

A renewed wave of panic has gripped Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State after a suspected chemical odour reportedly affected more than 90 students across several secondary schools, triggering mass evacuation and emergency medical response in the ancient town.

The incident, which occurred barely a month after a similar episode at Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, forced parents and guardians to rush to various schools to evacuate their children as the strange odour spread rapidly across parts of the city.

More than 1,000 students were reportedly evacuated from affected schools and taken to the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where medical personnel confirmed that several of them presented symptoms including abdominal pain and related discomfort.

Schools affected include Our Lady of Apostles School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Sambadola Private School, Adeola Odutola Secondary School, and St. Anthony School, Esure, in Ijebu Mushin.

Eyewitnesses said residents in nearby communities also experienced the unusual smell, heightening fear of a wider environmental or industrial source.

As of the time of filing this report, no government officials had arrived at the State Hospital, where anxious parents gathered in large numbers awaiting updates on their children’s condition.

However, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, appealed for calm, assuring residents that relevant authorities had been mobilised to investigate the cause of the incident.

According to him, environmental monitoring teams from both federal and state agencies have been deployed to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, said air quality monitoring devices installed in parts of Ijebu-Ode recorded elevated methane gas concentrations, with peak readings reportedly reaching about 13,500 ppm in surrounding areas.

He explained that the monitoring equipment was part of ongoing environmental surveillance efforts aimed at early detection of air quality anomalies and rapid public health response.

Bello noted that while the methane levels recorded were below the lower explosive limit, they remain environmentally significant and require urgent technical investigation and precautionary action.

He added that the state government had activated a multi-agency response team involving environmental regulators, emergency responders, and air quality experts to determine the source of the emissions.

Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in affected areas, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or respiratory discomfort.

Authorities assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.