Ogun shifts pupils due to contamination from methane gas

The Ogun State government has taken swift action to temporarily relocate students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, to a safer location, as it ramps up investigations into the recent chemical inhalation incident that occurred on the school premises.

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According to Governor Dapo Abiodun, preliminary findings have confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area, which prompted the relocation to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, and other members of the school community.

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The decision to relocate the students was made to create a conducive environment for experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the source and cause of the contamination, Governor Abiodun explained during an on-the-spot assessment of the school.

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The state government is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, to determine the root cause of the incident, through the ministries of environment and health.

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Governor Abiodun noted that this is the second time pollution has been recorded in the school and some neighboring schools, with the gas pollution occurring at about the same time in the affected schools, which totals about three schools, and has happened on two separate occasions.

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The governor revealed that gas analyzers were installed across the schools after the first occurrence to determine the nature and concentration of the gas, which has now been confirmed to be methane, and preliminary findings suggest geological factors may be involved.

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Preliminary findings indicate that there may be fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions, and the government is awaiting the final report from the professionals handling the investigation, Governor Abiodun said.

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Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting the lives of students, teachers, and residents of the affected communities, and stressed that every necessary measure would be taken to identify the source of the pollution and prevent a recurrence.

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The government remains focused on safeguarding public health and environmental safety, and updates would be provided as investigations progress, the governor assured residents.

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Governor Abiodun dismissed the rumor that these incidents are being deliberately targeted at schools, stating that it appears to be a natural occurrence, and the government is determined to get to the bottom of it.

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The students have been temporarily relocated, and they will not return until the government is satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, Governor Abiodun added, as the government continues to investigate the cause of the situation and take necessary steps to address it.