Abiodun Orders Closure of Ogun School After Gas Leak Affects 48 Students
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, has ordered the immediate closure of Our Lady Apostle Secondary School following a gas leak that affected 48 students.
The incident initially occurred on Wednesday, when 30 students were hospitalised after inhaling fumes believed to have emanated from nearby carbide cylinders. The gas spread across the school premises, causing panic within the community.
Confirming the development, Ola Oresanya said the affected students were promptly taken to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for treatment.
He noted that most of the students were stabilised and discharged shortly after receiving medical attention, while investigations began to determine the exact cause of the leak.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Oresanya said the governor ordered the school’s closure as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.
He added that 18 more students later reported symptoms after returning home on Wednesday, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 48.
“Thirty students and two teachers were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, within an hour of exposure,” Oresanya said.
“Eighteen additional students later sought treatment after experiencing symptoms at home.”
According to him, safety officials deployed gas analysers to trace the source of the leak, while medical teams treated and discharged more than 33 students and the two affected teachers within hours.
Ongoing investigations involve multiple agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amotekun Corps, and local health authorities.
The state government has also set up an emergency situation room at the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode to provide free treatment for affected students and residents in the area.
Oresanya reiterated that the school will remain closed until authorities fully determine the source of the chemical fumes and ensure the environment is safe.