Ogun State says gas odour incident in Ijebu area is under control after hospitalising students

Incident overview On 21 October 2026, residents of several towns in the Ijebu axis of Ogun State reported a strong, unpleasant odour that prompted concerns across the community. The smell was reported in Ijebu‑Ode, Ijebu‑Igbo and Ago‑Iwoye, and it was not confined to school grounds, with neighbouring households also noting the presence of the gas.

Impact on students Health officials confirmed that the odour led to the hospitalisation of scores of secondary‑school pupils. According to a report by the Daily Post, more than thirty students received medical attention at the General Hospital, while additional cases were taken to other facilities. The affected pupils exhibited symptoms such as difficulty breathing, abdominal discomfort and drowsiness. A portion of the patients required supplemental oxygen, whereas others were managed with less intensive care. By the time the assessment team left the hospital, most of the students had been released, though a few remained under observation.

Government response The Ogun State government, through Special Adviser on Media and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, assured the public that the situation was being handled and that conditions were under control. Officials visited Ijebu‑Igbo Girls Grammar School to assess the situation further and confirmed that the odour had spread beyond school premises. A delegation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) also arrived on site to conduct its own assessment.

Environmental explanation State Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya previously attributed similar odour events to natural geological processes, specifically underground gas emissions linked to tectonic fault lines. He ruled out sabotage or leaks from gas pipelines as possible causes. The latest episode, however, has revived concerns about recurring odour incidents that have been reported in the Ijebu‑Ode area since April 2026.

Ongoing monitoring Authorities have urged residents to stay calm while monitoring the health of the affected students and investigating the source of the emissions. Further investigations are expected to clarify the factors behind the recent episode and to determine whether the natural geological explanation remains valid.

Community reaction Local residents expressed relief at the government’s swift response but remain wary given the history of similar odour events earlier in the year. The continued presence of the smell in surrounding neighbourhoods has kept the issue in public focus, prompting calls for transparent communication from officials.

The incident underscores the need for coordinated environmental monitoring and rapid health response in areas prone to underground gas emissions, as well as the importance of clear communication to maintain public confidence.