By The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the environmental incident recorded in parts of Ijebu-Ode on Friday has been brought under control following emergency intervention by security agencies and the Ogun State Government.
The incident, which occurred along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis on May 15, reportedly involved a suspected chemical emission that affected students and residents in several communities within the area.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said officers on patrol received distress information concerning unusual emissions suspected to be linked to chemical contamination around parts of Ijebu-Ode.
According to the statement, tactical and surveillance teams attached to the Obalende Division immediately mobilised to the affected areas and activated emergency response measures to protect residents, support evacuation efforts and maintain public order.
Schools affected by the incident included Our Ladies Grammar School, Epe Garage; Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende; Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Imosan; Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imosan; St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Imosan; and Orphanage Primary School, Imosan.
Students and other affected persons were evacuated to the General Hospital and private medical facilities within the area for treatment.
The Police Command stated that no death was recorded and confirmed that victims were responding positively to medical attention.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, ordered the immediate deployment of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and other tactical teams to secure the environment and support emergency operations.
The Command disclosed that preliminary environmental assessments carried out through the state’s air quality monitoring infrastructure detected elevated methane gas concentrations within the affected area.
Authorities said technical experts and emergency response agencies were conducting further investigations to determine the exact source of the emission and evaluate possible environmental risks.
The statement noted that security presence had been intensified across the affected communities to prevent panic and assist ongoing technical evaluations.
“The situation has since been brought under control, while monitoring and technical assessments continue,” the statement read.
Police also urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing panic.
Residents were further advised to avoid naked flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are noticed and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or breathing difficulties occur.
