Precious Anga
Lagos — The Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following renewed incidents linked to methane gas pollution within the school environment.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision during an inspection visit to the school, saying the move was necessary to safeguard students, teachers and staff while investigations into the source of the pollution continue.
According to the governor, preliminary assessments confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area, prompting the government to launch fresh environmental and scientific studies to determine the cause of the emissions.
“Twice now, we have recorded cases of pollution in this school and some neighbouring schools,” Abiodun said.
“What is interesting is that the gas pollution occurred at about the same time in the affected schools about three schools altogether and this has happened on two separate occasions,” he added.
The governor disclosed that gas analysers installed after the first incident had detected methane emissions, leading authorities to intensify investigations.
He said the state government is working closely with the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University to identify the source of the contamination.
“Preliminary findings suggest there may be geological factors involved, possibly fault lines common to these locations, which could be responsible for the emissions,” the governor stated.
Abiodun assured parents and residents that the safety of students and members of the surrounding community remains the government’s top priority, stressing that the school would remain closed until the environment is declared safe.
“In the meantime, we have evacuated the students from the school. Until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe and conducive for learning, they will not return,” he said.
The governor also dismissed suggestions that the incidents were caused by human activities, describing them as likely natural occurrences. He urged residents to remain calm while experts complete their investigations and provide recommendations.
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over environmental safety in parts of Ijebu-Ode, where similar incidents have affected multiple schools on two separate occasions. Authorities say ongoing studies will help determine whether geological formations beneath the affected areas are responsible for the methane emissions.
