Ogun, NUPRC investigate recurring gas emissions around Ijebu-Ode
State promises findings and health monitoring following earlier reports of school disruptions and students requiring treatment.
The Ogun State Government says experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission are investigating recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities.
The investigation is intended to establish the source of the emissions and recommend measures to prevent further incidents.
According to The Guardian’s November 5 report, a state statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, said the team was examining emission patterns and possible sources following four reported incidents.
State promises monitoring and preventive measures
The statement, attributed to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s media adviser, Kayode Akinmade, said the state would publish the findings, implement recommendations and provide health support and monitoring.
It identified Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East, Odogbolu and other communities in Ogun East as areas requiring attention. These are locations named for investigation and monitoring, rather than a confirmed list of every place affected by earlier incidents.
Although officials have described the incidents as methane emissions, further testing is intended to establish the gases present and their possible source.
PUNCH reported that Professor Ikhane Phillips of Olabisi Onabanjo University explained the need for tests to identify the gases and surveys to assess their possible underground source and movement. The findings would help determine appropriate interventions.
Earlier incidents affected schools
The investigation follows reports of students requiring medical attention after an unusual gaseous odour spread through parts of the Ijebu axis.
Channels Television reported hospitalisations on October 21 in connection with incidents affecting Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye. Those locations relate to the earlier reports and should be distinguished from the areas now listed for monitoring.
The October reports do not establish fresh hospitalisations on November 6. The precise number affected and their current medical condition were not independently confirmed in this source check.
Completion date remains unclear
The government has promised to publish its findings and act on the recommendations. However, the reports reviewed gave no firm completion date.
As of IDNN’s November 6 source check, no final technical report had been located. The gases present, their concentrations and the risks at each location could not be independently established from the material available.
