Recurring methane emissions force school closures and hospitalise over 300 in Ogun State

Background In the first half of 2026, residents of Ijebu‑Ode in Ogun State reported an unusual odour and visible gas in the air. State officials later identified the substance as methane, although the exact origin of the emissions has not been confirmed. Geological activity beneath the area has been suggested as a possible cause, but investigations remain ongoing.

Timeline of incidents The first widely reported episode occurred on 1 April at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where roughly 30 students and a teacher were taken to the General Hospital in Ijebu‑Ode after collapsing, vomiting and experiencing breathing difficulties. The school was closed the following day and security agencies were instructed to investigate.

Subsequent episodes followed at irregular intervals. By October, the gas had struck the region four times since April. The latest incident, recorded on 21 October, affected schools in Ijebu‑Ode, Ago‑Iwoye and Ijebu‑Igbo. More than 100 pupils were rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu‑Ode, the General Hospital in Ijebu‑Igbo and other local facilities for treatment. Video footage circulated on social media showing students fainting and being carried to ambulances.

Government response Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the immediate closure of the affected schools and directed the establishment of a situation room at the Ijebu‑Ode General Hospital to provide free medical care for those exposed. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed that methane had been detected in the affected zones but said that the precise source remained under investigation. The state government also instructed security agencies to intensify monitoring of the area and to work with geological experts to determine the cause of the recurring emissions.

Impact on education and community The repeated gas releases have disrupted schooling for hundreds of pupils across the three towns. Parents rushed to collect their children as the situation unfolded, and teachers reported widespread anxiety among staff and students. The closures have raised concerns about the safety of school environments and the adequacy of emergency preparedness in the region.

Outlook State authorities have pledged to continue investigations and to implement measures that will prevent further exposure. While methane has been confirmed as the offending agent, officials have not yet identified a definitive source, leaving the community awaiting clearer answers and longer‑term solutions.

The incidents underscore the vulnerability of schools to environmental hazards and highlight the need for coordinated health and safety responses in the face of unexplained industrial or geological events.