..Over 200 students, teachers affected in three waves of mysterious gas outbreaks
…Government probes earthquake link, warns quarry operators may face suspension
The Ogun State Government has disclosed that ongoing investigations into the recurring gas emissions affecting schools and communities in Ijebu-Ode have narrowed the likely source of the phenomenon to geological activity beneath the earth’s surface.
The state government said preliminary findings indicate that the emissions may be linked to movements within the earth’s crust along a suspected fault line running through parts of the town.
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, made the disclosure during an appearance on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
According to him, investigators have eliminated several previously suspected sources and have now focused attention on underground geological structures as the most probable explanation for the unusual gas releases.
He explained that scientific assessments, geological surveys and environmental monitoring have revealed a pattern connecting all locations where the gas incidents have been recorded.
Oresanya said the affected schools and communities appear to lie along a straight subsurface alignment, suggesting a common underground pathway through which gases may be escaping to the surface.
The commissioner stated that experts are now reviewing whether the emissions are the result of tectonic activity involving movements within the earth’s crust.
He noted that such movements can create fractures that allow naturally trapped gases to migrate upward.
According to him, available scientific literature and geological evidence support the theory that the gases may be emerging from deep underground formations.
The gas emission crisis has generated widespread concern across Ijebu-Ode in recent months following repeated incidents involving students and teachers.
More than 200 persons are reported to have been affected in three separate episodes recorded over the last two months.
The first incident occurred in April at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where dozens of students and staff reportedly suffered respiratory discomfort after inhaling an unusual chemical odour.
A second and more severe episode was recorded on May 15 when methane concentrations reportedly reached dangerous levels and spread to neighbouring schools.
The latest outbreak occurred in June, with dozens of students receiving medical attention after experiencing dizziness, nausea and fainting spells.
Although all affected persons were treated and discharged, the repeated incidents triggered public anxiety and intensified demands for a thorough investigation.
The commissioner revealed that environmental experts have identified methane as the dominant gas present in the emissions.
He added that traces of hydrogen sulphide were also detected during laboratory analysis.
According to Oresanya, methane is naturally occurring and can be found trapped beneath the earth’s surface, while hydrogen sulphide may develop in oxygen-deprived underground environments.
He explained that both gases can escape through cracks and fractures in geological formations.
As part of precautionary measures, the Ogun State Government has ordered the suspension of gas pipeline operations within the affected area.
The commissioner stressed that the decision was not based on evidence of pipeline failure but was intended to eliminate every possible source during the investigation.
He noted that shutting down the pipeline would enable authorities to rule out leakage from energy infrastructure.
Oresanya disclosed that quarry and mining activities operating around the affected axis are also under scrutiny.
He explained that vibrations generated by blasting operations could potentially widen underground fractures and facilitate gas migration.
However, he maintained that no conclusion had yet been reached regarding the role of quarry activities.
The commissioner said government would not hesitate to suspend mining operations if ongoing investigations establish a connection between blasting activities and the gas emissions.
Beyond the immediate environmental concerns, the commissioner also referenced an academic presentation suggesting that Ijebu-Ode could face seismic activity in the future.
He cited an inaugural lecture reportedly delivered earlier this year by a professor of Solid Earth Physics at Tai Solarin University of Education.
According to him, the lecture raised the possibility of an earthquake occurring in the region by 2028.
Oresanya said the prediction should not be ignored in light of the current geological findings.
While cautioning against premature conclusions, he acknowledged that the ongoing investigation has expanded to include the study of deeper earth movements beneath the area.
Several schools situated along the suspected geological alignment have now been placed under continuous environmental surveillance.
Gas monitoring devices have been installed within school premises and surrounding communities to detect emissions in real time.
The commissioner disclosed that security agencies, including the Department of State Services and Amotekun Corps, were invited to investigate possible sabotage.
He said extensive security sweeps and CCTV reviews found no evidence of deliberate attacks or chemical contamination.
According to him, available evidence strongly suggests that the incidents are naturally occurring rather than criminal in nature.
Despite public concern, the state government has ruled out any immediate closure of schools in the affected communities.
Oresanya insisted that educational activities should continue while monitoring and emergency response measures remain in place.
He noted that government was determined to avoid unnecessary panic among residents.
The commissioner further explained that many of the students taken to hospital during the latest incident were either asthmatic or suffered anxiety-related symptoms triggered by fear of exposure.
To enhance preparedness, schools have been advised to implement temporary protective measures during any future incidents.
Among the recommendations is the use of wet handkerchiefs or damp cloths over the nose to reduce inhalation risks until emergency personnel arrive.
The state government has also stationed ambulances and emergency response teams equipped with oxygen supplies near affected schools.
Oresanya disclosed that Ogun State is collaborating with experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other technical agencies.
He added that the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency would soon join the investigation as authorities seek a definitive explanation for the phenomenon.
The commissioner reiterated that government remains committed to a scientific and evidence-based approach.
He assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to protect lives while experts determine whether the emissions are the result of natural tectonic activity, human-induced underground disturbances or a combination of both.
As uncertainty continues to surround the unusual gas emissions, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations while awaiting the outcome of comprehensive scientific studies.
