Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, has vowed to remain in Ijebu-Ode until the source of the recurring air pollution incidents affecting students of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School is identified and a lasting solution found.
Oresanya made the pledge during a visit to the school following the latest recurrence of the mysterious incident on Wednesday, when several students reportedly experienced distress and were rushed to the State Hospital for medical attention. No life was lost and the affected students were stabilised.
The recurring incidents, which have generated anxiety among parents, teachers and residents of Ijebu-Ode, have in recent weeks been linked to suspected gas emissions in parts of the town, including areas around Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School and Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS).
“We are here full-time and I am going to be here until I can assure our people that nothing will happen,” the commissioner said.
According to Oresanya, investigations conducted by the state government have detected methane gas in the affected area, prompting authorities to focus on possible sources of the emission.
He explained that when the incidents first occurred, government officials initially suspected human activities because the phenomenon was unprecedented in the area. Environmental officers investigated activities involving chemical mixtures and other local practices around the community and took steps to eliminate those possibilities.
The commissioner disclosed that gas detectors installed around Ijebu-Ode, particularly around Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, subsequently identified methane as the gas present during later incidents.
Following the discovery, the government began investigating two possible sources: gas infrastructure and naturally occurring underground emissions.
As a precautionary measure, the state government directed a gas supply company operating in the area to shut down its valves pending the outcome of investigations.
“The life and safety of our people are more important than any economic gain,” Oresanya said.
He revealed that experts from the Ogun State Government, the Geology Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and the Federal University of Agriculture are working together to determine whether the gas is linked to underground geological activity or gas infrastructure.
According to him, investigators are examining a five-kilometre radius around the affected locations and studying possible underground fault lines that could allow gas to migrate beneath communities.
Addressing public concerns, the commissioner dismissed suggestions that the incidents were the result of criminal activities or sabotage.
“This is not a bandit matter,” he said, noting that the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies were actively involved in monitoring the situation. He added that surveillance drones and security personnel had also been deployed to assist the investigation.
To protect students and staff, ambulances and medical personnel have been stationed at the affected schools while investigations continue.
Oresanya assured residents that the government would not relent until the exact source of the problem is established and a permanent solution implemented.
For concerned parents and residents, his message was clear: the state government will remain on the ground until answers are found and normalcy fully restored.
