Ogun Government Moves Students Over Gas Pollution Concerns

The Ogun State Government has moved students from Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode to a temporary location. This comes as investigations continue into a recent chemical inhalation incident at the school.

Governor Dapo Abiodun shared this news during a visit to the school. He revealed that initial checks have found methane gas in the area.

The governor said it was important to relocate the students to protect their health and safety. This also allows experts to investigate the source of the contamination without hindrance.

He mentioned that the state government is working with the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Olabisi Onabanjo University's Department of Geology. Together, they aim to uncover what caused the incident.

"Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools.
What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools, about three schools altogether, and this has happened on two separate occasions.
Following the first occurrence, we installed gas analysers across the schools to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane.
Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions.
We are awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation," he said.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and local residents. He assured that every necessary action will be taken to find the source of the pollution and make sure it does not happen again.

He told residents that the government is serious about public health and environmental safety. He promised to provide updates as the investigation moves forward.

"In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. The rumour that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools is unfounded and should be disregarded. This appears to be a natural occurrence, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.
The students have been moved out temporarily, and until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return. We will continue to investigate the cause of this situation and take all necessary steps to address it," the governor added.