Ogun shuts schools after more than 100 pupils are hospitalised following gas emissions

The Ogun State government ordered several schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo to close after more than 100 pupils were hospitalised on Wednesday following suspected exposure to a gaseous substance. Among the worst-affected schools were Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School and Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu-Ode; the source of the emissions, previously identified by the state as methane, remains under investigation. It was the fourth reported episode in the area since April, following incidents that included more than 120 people being hospitalised in May. Teachers and parents are calling for a swift investigation and a lasting solution to protect pupils and residents.