Reporting by The Guardian indicates that 30 students and a teacher from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, were hospitalized following a panic triggered by a mystery chemical odor. The incident occurred at the Epe Garage area, leading to the immediate evacuation of the school premises as emergency responders scrambled to identify the source of the fumes.
The affected individuals were rushed to the State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, where they are currently receiving treatment for respiratory distress. While the state government has launched an investigation, residents in the area have expressed concern over the proximity of industrial activities to educational institutions.
The Punch reported that “about 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised,” while Vanguard noted that “emergency services are working to contain the panic” and determine if the leak originated from a nearby factory.
Echotitbits take: This incident highlights the dangerous lack of zoning enforcement in Nigeria. If schools and chemical-using industries share the same street, it’s a recipe for disaster. Expect the Ogun State Ministry of Environment to face questions regarding their industrial audits.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/chemical-odour-triggers-panic-at-ijebu-ode-school-30-students-hospitalized/, April 2, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
