Dairo Johnson Dairo
BoldNEWS Africa
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
4-6-2026
The Ogun State Government says investigations into the recurring air pollution incidents in Ijebu-Ode have been narrowed to two possible sources, as Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, vowed not to leave the town until the cause is identified and a permanent solution is implemented.
Oresanya made the declaration on Thursday during a visit to Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, where another episode of the mysterious pollution reportedly left several students in distress and requiring medical attention at the State Hospital. All affected students were stabilised, and no fatalities were recorded.
The incidents, which have sparked concern among parents, teachers and residents, have repeatedly occurred around Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School and Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), raising fears over public safety in the area.
According to the commissioner, investigations have confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected locations, leading authorities to focus on two likely sources, emissions linked to gas infrastructure, and naturally occurring underground geological activity.
“I am going to remain here until we can assure our people that this will not happen again,” Oresanya said.
He explained that when the incidents first emerged, environmental officials suspected they could be linked to human activities involving chemical mixtures and other local practices. However, after extensive checks ruled out those possibilities, gas detection equipment deployed across the area consistently identified methane during subsequent occurrences.
The discovery prompted the government to intensify investigations into both man-made and natural sources of the gas.
As a precautionary measure, the state government directed a gas supply company operating within the area to shut down its valves, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The life and safety of our people are more important than any economic gain,” Oresanya stated.
He disclosed that experts from the Ogun State Government, the Geology Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and the Federal University of Agriculture are collaborating to determine whether the methane is emanating from underground geological formations or from existing gas infrastructure.
Investigators are currently examining a five-kilometre radius around the affected schools and assessing possible underground fault lines that could allow gas migration beneath surrounding communities.
The commissioner also dismissed speculation that the incidents were linked to sabotage or criminal activities, noting that security agencies, including the police, have been actively involved in monitoring the situation.
To safeguard students and staff while investigations continue, ambulances and medical personnel have been stationed at the affected schools, while surveillance drones and security personnel have been deployed across the area.
Oresanya assured residents that the government would remain on the ground until the exact source of the methane emissions is identified and lasting measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences.
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