The Federal Government has deployed a specialised technical team to Ogun State to investigate recurring subsurface gas emissions that have triggered health concerns and disrupted academic activities in secondary schools across the Ijebu axis. The intervention, coordinated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), is aimed at establishing the geological source of the emissions and recommending lasting solutions to the recurring incidents affecting schools and surrounding communities.
The deployment followed reports of localised gas seepages suspected to have caused oxygen depletion and breathing difficulties among students and other residents in the affected communities. More than 100 students from secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo had previously been hospitalised after inhaling an offensive gaseous substance.
What are the preliminary findings on the gas emissions?
Speaking during a joint press briefing and commencement of a site assessment in Ijebu Ode, the Federal Government’s Ad-hoc Committee stated that preliminary indications point toward natural subsurface geological processes rather than leaks from petroleum pipelines. Prosper Okonedo, the team leader and Assistant Director at the NUPRC, noted that the Commission constituted the committee following an initial assessment conducted by the Ogun State Government.
Okonedo explained that the Commission’s Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyawa Eyesan, directed the deployment of experts from the Lagos regional office to collaborate with state authorities. He also disclosed that the agency has been investigating similar occurrences in other parts of the country, including Rivers, Delta, and Osun states.
Professor Philip Ikhiane, a Professor of Sedimentary Petroleum Geochemistry at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and leader of the state's technical investigating team, revealed that preliminary geological surveys identified subsurface lineaments such as faults, fractures, or joints. These structures could act as natural conduits allowing underground gases to migrate to the surface.
How is the state government responding?
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, assured residents that there is no immediate cause for panic, ruling out any pipeline involvement since areas like Owode in Ikenne and Ijebu-Omu have no active gas pipelines. Oresanya confirmed that the administration is examining appropriate public health management measures and consulting global practices without immediate plans to relocate residents.
The recurring incidents trace back to April when roughly 40 students were affected, followed by subsequent episodes in May and June that hospitalized over 120 and 69 students respectively. Worst-hit institutions include Ijebu- Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School in Ago-Iwoye. With the arrival of the federal technical team, stakeholders expect a comprehensive investigation to secure the safety of students and surrounding populations.