By Sunday Ameh
The Ogun State Government has said preliminary investigations into the recurring gas emission incidents in parts of Ijebu-Ode suggest that the phenomenon may be linked to geological activity beneath the affected communities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this on Monday during a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he said experts were now focusing on possible tectonic movements within the earth’s crust as a major source of the emissions.
Oresanya explained that scientific assessments had ruled out several suspected causes, narrowing the probe to underground geological formations believed to connect the affected locations.
According to him, available findings indicate that the affected schools and surrounding communities appear to lie along a common geological fault line, allowing gases to escape through underground pathways.
“We have eliminated several possible sources and now we are focusing on the likelihood that the gas is coming from the earth’s crust,” the commissioner said.
The development comes after repeated gas emission incidents in the area, which have affected over 200 students and teachers in the last two months, with victims reportedly experiencing dizziness, breathing difficulties, nausea and fainting spells.
As part of immediate safety measures, the state government has suspended gas pipeline operations within the affected axis to rule out possible leakage.
Oresanya said the decision was precautionary and part of efforts to ensure that no industrial or surface-related source was responsible for the incidents.
He added that if ongoing investigations eventually link quarry activities to the emissions, appropriate restrictions would also be imposed.
Preliminary laboratory analysis, according to him, suggests the presence of methane and traces of hydrogen sulphide—naturally occurring gases that can pose health risks when concentrated in enclosed environments.
The commissioner further disclosed that experts are also examining whether underground vibrations or quarry blasting activities may have triggered the release of trapped gases through existing fractures.
He referenced a recent academic study by a professor at Tai Solarin University of Education, which suggested the possibility of seismic activity in the Ijebu-Ode axis around 2028, noting that while the projection was not conclusive, it could not be ignored in light of current findings.
To strengthen monitoring efforts, gas detection devices have been installed in schools and strategic locations across affected communities, while emergency response teams and ambulances remain on standby.
Oresanya, however, allayed fears of imminent danger, saying there was no scientific justification for shutting down schools at the moment.
He assured residents that the state government was working with experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and other agencies, with plans to involve the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in the next phase of investigations.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm as authorities continue to determine whether the emissions are driven by natural tectonic processes, human activities, or a combination of both.
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