.Describes incident as chemical odour reaction From Azeez Olorunlomeru, Abeokuta

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has dismissed reports suggesting that the recent chemical odour incident affecting schools in Ijebu-Ode was caused by air pollution.

Bello said preliminary findings indicate that the incident is more of a chemical odour reaction than a case of environmental air pollution, adding that it also has security-related dimensions.

He stated this during a visit to St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure, the State Hospital, Esure, and a private hospital in the area.

He urged residents, parents and guardians to remain calm, assuring them that the government is taking steps to address the situation.

Speaking earlier, a medical doctor at the State General Hospital, Esure, Dr. Victor Nathaniel, said 15 students were brought to the facility—12 from a private school and three from a public school within the same environment.

He noted that the students complained of inhaling a foul-smelling chemical odour.

Another medical officer on duty, Dr. Farouk Raji, said some of the affected students arrived in a weak condition, but their vital signs were stabilised.

He added that five patients were treated and discharged, while others are still receiving medical attention and are responding to treatment.