Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured residents of Ogun State that every necessary measure is being taken to protect lives and uncover the source of recurring gas emissions that recently affected some schools in Ijebu-Ode, as authorities temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School.
The relocation follows a recent chemical inhalation incident at the school, with preliminary investigations confirming the presence of methane gas in the affected area.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the school, Abiodun said the decision to move the students was taken to safeguard their health and safety while experts conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the contamination.
He disclosed that the state government, through the Ministries of Environment and Health, is working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Department of Geology of Olabisi Onabanjo University to determine the source of the emissions.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools,” the governor said.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools, about three schools altogether, and this has happened on two separate occasions.”
The Governor explained that gas analysers installed after the first incident had helped authorities identify the substance involved.
“Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane,” he said.
According to the governor, preliminary findings point to possible geological factors behind the emissions.
“There may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions. We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation,” he added.
The governor dismissed speculations that the incidents were the result of deliberate acts targeted at schools, urging residents to disregard such claims.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded. This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it,” he said.
Abiodun assured parents, teachers and residents that the students would not return to the school until authorities are satisfied that the environment is safe for learning.
“The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return. We will continue to investigate the cause of this situation and take all necessary steps to address it,” the governor stated.
The incident is the latest in a series of gas-related pollution cases reported in schools within the area, prompting heightened concern among residents and renewed efforts by the state government to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.
