Ijebu-Ode Chemical Incident: Abiodun orders probe, opens emergency room

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered security agencies to investigate the source of a gaseous chemical release in Ijebu-Ode that affected dozens of students and teachers.

The incident, which occurred two days ago, reportedly exposed 30 students and two teachers of Our Lady of Apostles Primary and Secondary Schools (OLAS) to the gas through inhalation.

In a statement issued on his behalf by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, the governor said the investigation is aimed at uncovering the root cause of the incident and preventing future occurrences.

Abiodun also directed the immediate establishment of a situation room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, to coordinate emergency response and provide free medical treatment to affected students and residents.

The intervention, according to the government, will cover impacted communities, including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto, and Oke-Aje Market.

The governor urged residents not to panic, assuring that there was no broader security threat arising from the incident.

He further ordered the immediate closure of the affected schools as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, officials from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and other safety agencies have deployed gas analysts to trace the source of the emission.

Oresanya, accompanied by the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, as well as Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Environment and Education, Dr. Kafayat Lawal and Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, visited the affected schools and the General Hospital.

Providing an update, the commissioner said all affected students and teachers are currently in stable condition.