The Ogun State Government has confirmed that all victims affected by the recent gas inhalation incident in Ijebu-Ode have fully recovered and have been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this during an engagement with parents, guardians, and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, assuring the public that all admitted victims—both adults and children—are now in stable condition and have returned home.
According to the commissioner, the victims were admitted at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, and other nearby health facilities after being exposed to suspected methane gas emissions that affected several schools in the town. She explained that although methane is generally considered a non-toxic gas, it can displace oxygen in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and breathing difficulties.
Dr. Coker noted that no severe cases were recorded during the incident, expressing gratitude that all affected individuals responded well to treatment. She added that the state government has activated emergency response mechanisms to prevent future occurrences and ensure swift intervention in case of any similar incidents.
As part of immediate measures, ambulance crews staffed with trained paramedics and drivers will be deployed across all wards in Ijebu-Ode to provide rapid emergency response. The government has also established a medical referral protocol to ensure that any patient requiring advanced care can be promptly transferred to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
She further revealed that district surveillance nurses, environmental health officers, and rapid response teams have been deployed to the affected communities, while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been informed and is monitoring the situation.
Residents were urged to remain calm and report any unusual smells or suspicious environmental changes through designated emergency hotlines. Dr. Coker also announced plans to train teachers in public and private schools, as well as interested parents, as community first responders to improve emergency preparedness.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed that gas analyzers have been installed around affected schools to monitor air quality and detect any abnormal methane concentrations. He said the government is working with experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Federal Ministry of Environment to investigate the source of the emissions and develop long-term solutions.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Abayomi Arigbabu, appealed to school administrators, teachers, and parents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic. He assured residents that student safety remains a top priority.
The Ogun State Police Command has also intensified security around schools in the area, with the deployment of the School Protection Squad, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and drone surveillance teams to support environmental monitoring and ensure public safety.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and restoring confidence, assuring the public that the situation is under control and normal academic activities can safely continue.