All patients hospitalized following Friday's chemical gas incident in Ijebu-Ode have been discharged and are in good health. Health Commissioner Tomi Coker announced this at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School on Saturday.
Over 100 students and teachers fell ill when methane gas leaked in the town. Seven schools were affected by the incident.
Schools impacted included Our Ladies Grammar School at Epe Garage and Anglican Girls Grammar School in Obalende. Also hit were Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, St.
Peter's Anglican Primary School, St. Anthony Grammar School in Esure, and Orphanage Primary School, all in Imosan.
According to Coker, patients were treated at both Ijebu-Ode State Hospital and Ijebu-Ife facilities. "All have been discharged.
They are hale and hearty," she told the gathered parents and residents.
Methane itself isn't poisonous, Coker explained. But it displaces oxygen that the body and brain require to function properly.
In mild amounts, the gas produces no symptoms. Moderate exposure, however, can trigger fatigue, quickened heartbeat, and breathing problems.
"In severe cases, it could lead to convulsion or unconsciousness," the commissioner noted. Fortunately, none of the affected persons developed severe symptoms within the previous day.
Coker urged residents not to become alarmed if unusual incidents occur. She encouraged people to contact the health ministry's emergency response line immediately.
District nurses, nursing officers, and rapid response teams have already been positioned in the community. Officials have also notified the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control about the incident.
"If you smell, hear or notice anything suspicious, please alert us immediately," Coker said. Her ministry has environmental health officials and rapid response teams ready across the state.
Toxicology tests will be performed on some affected children. These tests will measure the extent of gas exposure each person received.
Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya revealed that gas analysers have been installed near the affected schools. They'll continuously track air quality in those areas.
Health officers will begin visiting schools in the area starting Monday. Oresanya confirmed this deployment was already underway.
Education Commissioner Abayomi Arigbabu urged calm among parents and community members. He assured them the state government remains committed to student safety and welfare.
Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni disclosed that security personnel have been mobilized to the affected areas. His command, the School Protection Squad, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and other specialized departments are now on ground.
Oxygen supplies have been stocked in ambulances and health facilities throughout the state. Emergency response capacity has been strengthened to handle any future incidents.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant but calm. Authorities said they would continue monitoring the situation closely.
