The Ogun State Government has clarified that the recent gas emissions recorded in some schools in Ijebu-Ode were caused by natural underground geological activity, not spiritual forces or security-related incidents.
The explanation was given during a stakeholders’ meeting involving parents, school administrators and development partners, where government officials shared findings from ongoing investigations and urged residents to disregard rumours capable of causing panic.
According to the Commissioners for Environment and Health, scientific investigations identified methane and sulphide gases escaping through underground fractures along established fault lines as the source of the emissions.
The government explained that the affected communities are located along the Ifewara-Zungeru Trans-Atlantic fault line, a geological formation stretching through parts of Ogun, Osun and Niger states. Officials said this fault line passes through the areas where the affected schools are situated.
Authorities also revealed that further laboratory tests are underway to determine the exact origin of the gases and to establish whether the affected area may sit on significant natural gas deposits.
Residents were advised to remain calm and follow safety guidelines whenever gas emissions occur. The Ministry of Health urged people to cover their noses with wet handkerchiefs instead of face masks and to contact the state’s emergency health line whenever immediate medical attention is needed.
The Commissioner for Education assured parents that the affected schools would only reopen after consultations with relevant stakeholders and once authorities are satisfied that it is safe for students and staff to return.
Experts also advised residents to avoid activities such as borehole drilling and quarry blasting, warning that they could worsen the effects of existing underground fault lines while investigations continue.
Source: Ogun State Government
