The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that calm has returned to parts of Ijebu-Ode following Thursday’s environmental incident that triggered panic across several communities and schools in the area.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the Command swiftly deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit alongside tactical response teams to secure affected locations and support emergency operations after reports of a suspected chemical emission surfaced along the Agoro and Okunowa Road corridor.
The police disclosed that operatives attached to the Obalende Division responded immediately after distress alerts indicated that students and residents were experiencing discomfort linked to unusual emissions within parts of the town.
Authorities said emergency evacuation procedures were activated as surveillance and tactical teams moved quickly to safeguard lives, maintain public order and prevent further exposure in the affected communities.
Schools impacted by the incident included Our Ladies Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, St Peter’s Anglican Primary School and Orphanage Primary School, all located within the affected axis of Ijebu-Ode.
Victims affected by the incident were rushed to the General Hospital and several private medical facilities for urgent treatment. The police confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, while affected persons were responding positively to medical care.
Preliminary findings from the Ogun State air quality monitoring system reportedly detected elevated methane gas concentrations within the affected environment, raising fresh concerns over possible environmental hazards in the area.
Technical experts and emergency management agencies have since commenced detailed investigations to determine the exact source of the gas emission and evaluate the environmental implications of the development.
Ojajuni directed sustained surveillance operations across the affected communities, ordering intensified security presence to prevent panic and provide support for ongoing technical assessments being carried out by relevant authorities.
The Police Command urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and immediately report unusual gas odours or related symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches and breathing difficulties. The command reaffirmed its commitment to public safety while continuing collaboration with the Ogun State Government and emergency stakeholders to contain the situation.