There was panic on Wednesday, when 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
NewsBits gathered that the incident occurred shortly after the school’s morning assembly, when a strange gaseous substance reportedly spread across the premises, leaving students and staff gasping for breath.
Eyewitnesses said several students collapsed after inhaling the substance, prompting an emergency response. The affected victims were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for treatment. Initial reports suggested a possible gas explosion, but school authorities dismissed the claim.
The Vice Principal (Junior School), Mrs Adeola Borogun, described the situation as a “strange chemical smell” that caused vomiting and fainting among students. Sources indicated the leak may have originated from the school laboratory during a practical session after a piece of equipment reportedly fell, releasing a substance into the air.
Confirming the development, Ola Oresanya ruled out an explosion or industrial pollution, noting that officials were working to identify the gas. “There is no industrial gas around. It is a gas leak from somewhere; no explosion occurred,” he said, adding that all affected persons were in stable condition.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Banjo Adeoye, confirmed that 30 students and one teacher were treated and are responding well. Similarly, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, said no life was lost, assuring that the victims were recovering. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the leak and prevent a recurrence
