Unknown Gas Odour Affects Students in Ijebu North; Government Provides Free Treatment
Unknown Gas Odour Affects Students in Ijebu North; Government Provides Free Treatment
The Ijebu North Local Government says about 99 students from five schools were affected by an unidentified gaseous substance on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Government officials, health workers and security agencies responded as authorities began investigating the source.
The affected students attend Girls Grammar School, Ojowo; Japara High School; Sopen Comprehensive High School; Beje High School; and Molusi College. They were taken to a range of public and private facilities, including General Hospital, Ijebu Igbo; Obada Primary Health Care Centre; OOU Teaching Hospital Annex; Oke Agbo and Atikori primary health centres; St. Joseph Catholic Hospital; God’s Mercy Feyisayo Clinic; Orange Hospital; and Toluwani Clinic.
Ijebu North Local Government Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Bolaji Odusanya Omobolaji, said the students received prompt treatment and were stabilised. Almost all had been discharged by the time of the update. He said no deaths had been recorded and no student was in critical condition.
The council covered the students’ medical bills and is arranging to reimburse parents who had already paid for treatment at private hospitals.
Odusanya led the local government response team, which included the council secretary, the director of environment and sanitation, and medical personnel. The team coordinated treatment and assistance for affected students and residents.
Officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, led by Special Adviser on Environment Hon. Niyi Owolana, also visited the area. They were joined by Head of Safety David Solarin and a team from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Their investigation is intended to identify the substance and determine where it came from.
Police, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps and So-Safe Corps were deployed to help maintain order and protect people around the schools and hospitals. The security operation was coordinated by Ijebu Igbo Police Area Commander ACP Bukoye Oye and Divisional Police Officer SP Kolade.
Education officials, including Zonal Education Officer Mr Liadi and Education Secretary Mr Gbenga Adenaya, worked with school principals and teachers to coordinate support. The response was conducted under the guidance of the state commissioners responsible for health, education and the environment, alongside their permanent secretaries.
The local government urged parents and residents to remain calm while medical and environmental experts continue their work. Odusanya thanked state agencies, security personnel, environmental officers and health workers for their response.
He said the council remained committed to protecting public health and environmental safety as investigations continue.
