Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered an investigation into the gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, which left several students hospitalised.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, affected about 30 students and at least one teacher after a suspected gaseous substance spread across the school premises shortly after assembly.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the governor directed security agencies to unravel the cause of the incident.

He said the outcome of the investigation would help prevent a recurrence.

Abiodun also ordered the immediate closure of the affected school.

“Governor Abiodun has also directed the immediate opening of a Situation Room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode which will offer free treatment to other students and residents of the impacted areas such as Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje market,” the statement added.

Residents of areas including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje were advised not to panic, as the government said there was no confirmed security threat linked to the incident.

Oresanya said officials of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency had deployed gas analysers to determine the source and nature of the substance.

The statement noted that Oresanya, alongside other government officials, visited the school and the hospital where the victims were receiving treatment.

The commissioner added that most of the affected students and teachers were in stable condition.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the gas leak, with early reports suggesting possible links to laboratory chemicals or nearby human activities. (The PUNCH)

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