Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
At least 30 students and one teacher were hospitalised following a suspected gas leakage incident at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The incident occurred during school hours, causing panic among pupils and staff as an unknown gaseous substance spread throughout parts of the school compound.
Eyewitnesses reported that students and the teacher began experiencing breathing difficulties, coughing, nausea, and fainting. Several pupils reportedly collapsed before emergency response teams arrived. School authorities quickly evacuated the affected areas and alerted medical and emergency services to respond to the situation.
The injured were immediately transported to the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode, where they were examined and treated. Health officials confirmed that all the affected individuals were in stable condition. Most of the students were being observed for minor respiratory issues and eye irritation, while the teacher received medical attention for similar symptoms. No fatalities were reported.
Preliminary investigations suggest the gas may have originated from the school’s laboratory, though authorities have not ruled out other possible sources. The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment confirmed that there had been no explosion and that the gas was not linked to any industrial facility nearby. Environmental officials have deployed gas analysis equipment to determine the exact nature of the leak and to map its concentration throughout the school.
The Vice Principal of the Junior School described the event as a chemical odor spreading through the school rather than an external contamination. Teachers and staff worked to evacuate students safely and administer first aid while waiting for professional medical teams.
Community leaders and local government officials emphasised that the rapid response by school authorities and emergency services prevented a more serious outcome. The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government confirmed that there were no deaths and praised the efficiency of the medical and environmental teams.
Parents gathered outside the school and hospital to check on their children, expressing relief at their stable condition but calling for a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences. The Ogun State Ministry of Education is expected to conduct a full review of safety protocols, particularly regarding the storage and handling of laboratory chemicals, ventilation systems, and emergency preparedness measures.
Education advocates have stressed the importance of regular safety training for school staff and consistent inspection of facilities to ensure the wellbeing of students. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while the investigation into the source of the gas leak is ongoing.
The focus remains on the recovery of those affected and on measures to ensure that all students can return to a safe learning environment.
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