The Ogun State Government says all persons admitted to state hospitals following the recent chemical inhalation incident in Ijebu-Ode schools have been discharged after being certified fit by medical personnel.
Commissioner for Health Tomi Coker disclosed this on Saturday during a meeting with parents, guardians and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School. She said adults and children affected by methane emissions were treated at Ijebu-Ode State Hospital and Ijebu-Ife facility, and are now “hale and hearty.”
Coker explained that while methane is non-toxic, it displaces oxygen and can cause fatigue, rapid heartbeat and breathing difficulties at moderate levels. Severe exposure can lead to convulsions or unconsciousness, but she said none of the patients showed severe symptoms.
To improve emergency response, the state will deploy ambulances staffed with a driver and paramedic to all wards in Ijebu-Ode. A medical protocol has also been set up to transfer patients needing advanced care from secondary facilities to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
The commissioner urged residents to use the ministry’s emergency call centre to report suspicious smells or incidents. District surveillance nurses, nursing officers and rapid response teams have been deployed, and the ministry has informed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
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The Ministry of Health will also train teachers and interested parents as community first responders. Toxicology tests will be conducted on some affected children to determine exposure levels.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said gas analysers have been installed around affected schools to monitor air quality, with plans to expand coverage across Ijebu-Ode. Experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University are assisting with data interpretation, and health officers will be deployed to schools from Monday.
Commissioner for Education Abayomi Arigbabu appealed to school staff and parents to avoid panic and misinformation, assuring that student safety remains a priority.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni said the School Protection Squad, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and other specialised units have been deployed, with drones used to monitor the affected areas.
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