Ogun govt mulls relocation of communities over gas leak

The Ogun State Government has said it may evacuate residents of affected communities in Ijebuland if investigations establish that recurring gas emissions pose a risk of death or permanent damage to human health.

Daily Trust reports that more than 300 students and teachers have reportedly been hospitalised following recurring incidents between April and October this year.

The latest incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was the fourth reported case of the mysterious gas leak causing confusion and anxiety in Ijebuland.

The first incident, in April, affected about 40 students, while more than 120 students were reportedly hospitalised following another exposure in May.

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At least 69 students were also hospitalised on June 1 after another occurrence, which was subsequently identified as methane.

On Wednesday, more than 100 students from several secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo were reportedly hospitalised following another gas leak in the areas.

Giving an update on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the government would consider immediate relocation if findings showed that continued exposure could cause death or permanent damage to human health.

Oresanya disclosed this during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM.

“Until we find out that this may kill or affect their health permanently, we may relocate them immediately,” he said.

Oresanya explained that the government was working with scientists and relevant federal agencies to determine the source of the emissions before deciding on a permanent solution.