The Ogun State Police Command has assured residents of Ijebu-Ode and surrounding communities that the suspected gas leak reported in parts of the town has been successfully contained and no longer poses danger to the public.
The incident, which caused panic among residents and affected several schools in the area, happened along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis of Ijebu-Ode on Friday.
Police authorities said emergency response teams moved quickly to secure the affected communities after reports emerged of a strange chemical emission affecting students and residents.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babasayi, officers on routine patrol first received information about unusual gas-like emissions around parts of the town.
“The incident was reported when operatives on patrol received information concerning a suspected chemical emission affecting students and residents around parts of Ijebu-Ode,” Babasayi said in a statement shared on Friday.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, ordered immediate deployment of tactical and surveillance teams to the affected locations.
The police said emergency measures were activated immediately to protect lives, maintain order and assist in evacuating affected persons from the area.
“Following the report, tactical and surveillance teams swiftly mobilised to the affected locations and activated emergency response measures to safeguard lives, coordinate evacuation procedures, and maintain public order,” the statement added.
The incident reportedly affected several schools around the area, leading to panic among students, teachers and parents.
Schools affected included Our Ladies Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School and Orphanage Primary School.
Students and residents who experienced discomfort were immediately evacuated to hospitals for treatment.
The police confirmed that victims were taken to the General Hospital and other private medical facilities within the town for urgent medical attention.
Authorities, however, stressed that no deaths were recorded during the incident.
“The affected victims were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital and other private medical facilities for immediate medical attention,” the statement said.
“We are pleased to confirm that no life was lost, and all affected persons are responding positively to treatment.”
Residents of the area described scenes of confusion and fear as many people rushed out of homes, schools and nearby buildings after noticing unusual smells and breathing difficulties.
Some parents reportedly rushed to schools to pick up their children while traders and business owners temporarily shut down operations.
According to the police, early findings from environmental monitoring systems showed elevated methane gas levels within the affected area.
“Preliminary environmental assessments revealed elevated methane gas concentrations within the monitoring coverage area. Relevant experts are currently conducting detailed investigations to determine the source and assess associated risks,” the police said.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact source of the gas leak, but investigations are ongoing.
Methane gas is a colourless and highly flammable gas commonly associated with underground natural deposits, waste decomposition and industrial activities. Experts say exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, breathing difficulties and other health problems.
Although methane itself is not poisonous in small amounts, large concentrations in enclosed or crowded areas can reduce oxygen levels and create health risks.
The incident in Ijebu-Ode has raised concerns among residents about environmental safety and emergency preparedness in urban communities.
Following the leak, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni ordered increased security and continuous surveillance in the affected areas while environmental experts continue their investigations.
He assured residents that the situation remained under control and urged members of the public not to spread false or unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
“The area remains calm and under close monitoring. Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue with their lawful activities,” the police commissioner said.
Authorities also issued safety advice to residents, warning them to avoid open flames, fire or any source of ignition in areas where unusual gas smells are detected.
Residents experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or breathing difficulties were advised to seek immediate medical attention.
The Ogun State Police Command further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and promised continued collaboration with the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The latest incident has once again highlighted concerns over environmental hazards and emergency response systems in many Nigerian communities.
In recent years, cases involving gas explosions, chemical leaks and environmental pollution have raised fears among residents in different parts of the country.
In some parts of Nigeria, especially in oil-producing areas, residents have also complained about gas emissions linked to industrial activities, waste disposal and pipeline problems.
Environmental advocates say early detection systems and public awareness are important in preventing disasters and protecting public health.
The quick response by security agencies and emergency workers in Ijebu-Ode was praised by some residents, who said the situation could have been worse if authorities had delayed intervention.
A resident of the area, who identified herself as Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi, said fear spread quickly after students began complaining of discomfort.
“People started running when the children began shouting and coughing. Parents became scared because nobody knew what was happening,” she said.
Another resident said many people initially feared it was a chemical attack or industrial explosion because of the strange smell spreading through the area.
By Friday evening, normal activities had gradually resumed in most parts of the affected communities as security officials and environmental experts continued monitoring operations.
However, many residents said they would remain cautious until authorities fully determine the source of the gas leak and provide detailed explanations about the incident.
For now, residents of Ijebu-Ode are counting themselves lucky that no lives were lost in what could have turned into a major environmental disaster.