Ogun Government Fully Says All Victims of Ijebu-Ode Gas Accident

The Ogun State Government says all persons admitted to state hospitals following the recent chemical inhalation incident in Ijebu-Ode schools have been discharged after being certified fit by medical personnel.

Health Commissioner Tomi Coker revealed this on Saturday during a meeting with parents, guardians and residents at Our Lady of the Apostles Secondary School. He said the adults and children affected by the methane emissions were treated at the Ijebu-Ode State Hospital and Ijebu-Ife facility, and were now “healthy and vigorous”.

Coker explained that while methane is not toxic, it displaces oxygen and can cause fatigue, rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing at moderate levels. Severe exposure can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness, but he said none of the patients showed serious symptoms.

To improve emergency response, the State will deploy ambulances with driver and paramedic in all wards of Ijebu-Ode. A medical protocol has also been put in place to transfer patients requiring advanced care from secondary facilities to Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital.

The commissioner urged residents to use the ministry’s emergency call center to report suspicious odors or incidents. District surveillance nurses, nursing officers and rapid response teams have been deployed and the ministry has informed the Nigerian Center for Disease Control.

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The Ministry of Health will also train interested teachers and parents as community first responders. Toxicology tests will be conducted on some affected children to determine exposure levels.

Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya said gas analyzers had been installed around the affected schools to monitor air quality, with plans to expand coverage across Ijebu-Ode. Experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University are assisting in interpreting the data and health officials will be deployed to schools from Monday.

Education Commissioner Abayomi Arigbabu appealed to school staff and parents to avoid panic and misinformation, assuring that student safety remains a priority.

Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni said the school protection team, explosive ordnance disposal unit and other specialized units had been deployed, with drones used to monitor the affected areas.

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