The Ogun State Government has said it may relocate residents of affected communities in Ijebuland if investigations establish that recurring gas emissions pose a risk of death or permanent damage to human health.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on a current affairs programme, following another incident involving unusual gas emissions that reportedly sent more than 100 students to hospitals across parts of the state.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, affecting communities in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye. Several students reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, drowsiness and other symptoms after inhaling a strong, offensive odour.
Oresanya said the government was working with scientists and relevant technical agencies to determine the source of the emissions and assess their potential health implications before deciding on a lasting solution.
He maintained that preliminary findings suggested the gas was not expected to cause fatalities, although exposure could result in discomfort. However, he acknowledged that relocation would become necessary if further investigations established that the emissions could cause death or permanent health damage.
The commissioner said the state government had recorded about five incidents since April, raising concerns over the safety of schools and residential communities in the affected areas.
The first reported incident occurred on April 1, when at least 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following exposure to gas at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode.
Another incident in May reportedly affected more than 100 students and teachers, while 69 students were hospitalised following a further occurrence in June.
The latest episode has heightened concerns because the emissions were reported in additional locations, including Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo.
According to Oresanya, investigations conducted by researchers from Olabisi Onabanjo University and relevant technical agencies have detected methane in samples collected around some of the affected areas.
He explained that the government was examining whether the gas originated from shallow underground reservoirs or deeper geological formations.
Preliminary geological findings indicated that parts of Ijebu-Ode were situated on shale formations that could contain gas. However, the commissioner said the occurrence in Ago-Iwoye presented additional questions because of differences in the area’s geological composition.
He stressed that establishing the source of the emissions was necessary to determine the appropriate response, warning that interventions based on incorrect assumptions could fail to address the underlying problem.
The government is collaborating with researchers and relevant federal agencies to investigate the emissions and identify measures to prevent further incidents.
Oresanya explained that if the gas was found to originate from a shallow underground reservoir, technical experts could consider drilling a well at an appropriate location to relieve pressure and control the emissions.
However, if investigations linked the phenomenon to tectonic activity, he said the situation could require more extensive intervention involving federal authorities.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue engaging affected communities and providing support while the investigations continued.
He also acknowledged the need to improve emergency alerts, noting that sudden increases in gas concentrations could leave authorities with limited time to respond.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns about environmental safety and the welfare of schoolchildren and residents in Ijebuland. The state government has said relocation remains an option if scientific findings establish that continued exposure poses a serious threat to human health.
Investigations into the source of the emissions are ongoing, with the findings expected to guide decisions on the appropriate long-term response.
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