Pupils in three towns in Nigeria’s Ogun State sought medical care after an unidentified odor on Oct. 21, while some schools in Ago-Iwoye suspended classes as officials investigated recurring emissions.
Ijebu North Local Government said about 99 pupils from five schools were affected, none in critical condition, and most had been discharged by the time of its update. Separately, several media reports put hospitalizations above 100 across the three towns. The Ogun State government said an assessment team found a small number still being monitored at an Ijebu-Ode hospital after more than 30 students had received treatment there. The accounts cover different groups and do not establish a combined total.
The state said students reported breathing trouble, stomach problems and sleepiness; some needed oxygen. The local council said it covered students’ medical bills and would reimburse parents who paid for private treatment. Ogun State Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya told Eagle 102.5 FM that parents could submit bills for repayment.
Kehinde Bello, general manager of the Ogun State Environmental Agency, said investigators viewed local geology and tectonic activity as a natural explanation for the emissions. He said they did not consider sabotage or a pipeline leak to be the cause. Officials have not confirmed what substance was involved on Oct. 21 or where the emissions came from.
Earlier monitoring had detected methane in the area, the Ogun State Ministry of Environment said June 20. The ministry also said pupils at Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode had been moved temporarily while experts investigated. That earlier finding does not establish what caused the October episode.
State officials said the investigation is continuing.
