Panic and confusion swept through parts of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after a suspected gas toxicity incident around the premises of Our Lady's of Apostle School left several students struggling for breath and requiring emergency medical attention.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during school hours, triggered fear across the community as affected students were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for urgent treatment.
Eyewitnesses described frightening scenes as students suddenly began coughing, gasping for air, and complaining of dizziness and chest discomfort believed to be linked to exposure to a toxic substance in the environment.
“We saw students running out of classrooms in tears. Some were finding it difficult to breathe while others fainted,” a resident near the school said.
The development immediately sparked anxiety among parents and guardians, many of whom stormed schools within the Ijebu-Ode metropolis to withdraw their children over fears of possible contamination or further exposure.
Traffic congestion was reported in several parts of the town as worried families rushed to school premises amid growing uncertainty over the source of the suspected toxic gas.
Emergency responders, healthcare workers, and security personnel were seen around the affected area attempting to manage the situation and assist victims. Medical officials at the General Hospital attended to affected students while residents called for urgent intervention by environmental and health authorities.
As of press time, authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the source of the suspected gas leak or the exact number of students affected.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, especially coming amid increasing reports of environmental safety issues in densely populated communities.
Community leaders and parents have appealed to the Ogun State Government and relevant environmental agencies to immediately investigate the cause of the incident, identify possible health risks, and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
Many residents also urged authorities to carry out environmental assessments around schools and residential areas to ensure the safety of students and the wider public.
Meanwhile, tension remained high across Ijebu-Ode on Friday evening as residents awaited official clarification on the mysterious incident. Authorities are expected to provide further updates following ongoing investigations.
