Suspected chemical odour leaves over 30 pupils, teacher hospitalised

No figure was given on those affected but eyewitnesses indicated that about 30 pupils suddenly became ill, with many collapsing, vomiting, and gasping for air. Emergency services were promptly contacted, and the affected victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode for urgent attention.

Vice Principal of the school, Mrs. Adeola Borogun, said the situation became serious after a strange chemical odour was detected within the premises, prompting safety steps to be taken.

“Students started fainting and vomiting almost at the same time. We quickly alerted emergency responders, who evacuated them to the hospital,” she explained.

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The Commissioner for the Environment, Ola Oresanya, debunked speculation that it was caused by an explosion.

“There was no explosion. What we are dealing with is a gas leak from a yet-to-be known source. Some suspect the school laboratory, but others believe it may have originated from somewhere else,” he said.

According to him, officials were already working with appropriate tools to determine the nature, concentration and source of the substance.

Oresanya assured that the affected students were responding well to treatment and are now in stable condition.

Also, Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, who visited the hospital, described the situation as under control and urged calm among parents and residents.

He assured that authorities would carry out a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.