Officials say scientific investigations have identified the emissions as a mixture of methane and sulphide gases believed to be escaping through subsurface fractures linked to ancient fault lines beneath the area.
The explanation follows growing concern after repeated incidents of gas release in the town, which have occurred three times in recent times and led to the hospitalization of no fewer than 200 students and staff across affected schools, including Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode.
Abiodun Orders Relocation of Affected Students
In response to the health risk, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun directed the temporary relocation of students from the most affected school community, particularly Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, to safer locations.
The governor said the decision was taken as a precaution while technical experts continue detailed investigations into the origin and behaviour of the gas emissions.
Authorities emphasized that the move is meant to safeguard students, teachers, and other members of the school community pending the outcome of ongoing scientific assessments.
Fault Lines and Geological Explanation Behind Emissions
At a government-organised town hall meeting with stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, provided a technical explanation linking the emissions to a known geological structure.
He explained:
“There is what we call the Ifewara-Zungeru trans-atlantic line that cut across Mojoda, Ijebu-Ode into Osun State through the Zungeru in Niger State. That faultline has been there from time immemorial and it has been found out that that is the line that connects to the areas where the gas emission occurred.”
He added that the affected schools are largely situated along this geological corridor:
“Coincidentally all the affected schools are located in that area. In fact that area of Ijebu ode town was going to be a Forest and were mainly deserted and are not places where people have been living for decades. However historical background showed that most of the schools affected are missionary schools which are built on lands probably given by the leaders of the town as most of the areas are deserted by town people.”
Oresanya further disclosed that ongoing analysis is aimed at determining whether the gases are thermogenic or methanogenic in origin, and whether the area may sit atop a significant gas reserve being naturally released under pressure.
Health Advisory and Safety Guidance for Residents
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, urged residents not to panic while advising precautionary health measures during episodes of emission.
She recommended basic protective steps such as covering the nose with a wet handkerchief and cautioned against the use of face masks in such conditions, describing them as potentially unsafe during gas exposure events.
Education Authorities Plan Safe Reopening of Schools
On the education front, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbadu, confirmed that all affected schools will remain closed temporarily and will only reopen after structured arrangements are concluded.
He noted that discussions are ongoing with school principals and zonal education officers to ensure a safe return to academic activities once conditions are deemed stable.
He appealed for patience from parents and guardians, stressing the need to allow scientific and administrative processes to run their course.
Stakeholders Commend Government Response
Community representatives including Messrs Adegbenro Adetayo, Olawale Kukoyi, Monday Ajayi, and Mrs Morayo Adebanjo expressed appreciation for the state government’s intervention.
They also encouraged residents to make use of designated health response channels, including emergency helplines, whenever symptoms or incidents occur.
Authorities maintain that investigations are ongoing, with a focus on fully understanding the source, composition, and long-term implications of the emissions affecting parts of Ijebu-Ode and its surrounding communities.