Panic erupted at Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Epe Garage in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, after a suspected chemical odour disrupted school activities shortly after the morning assembly, leaving about 30 students and a teacher hospitalised.

The Vice Principal, Mrs. Adeola Borogun explained that the incident was not a gas explosion but a strange chemical smell perceived within the school premises, which immediately prompted an emergency response.

According to her, “several students began vomiting and fainting, forcing the school management to call for ambulances from the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.”

Confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director of state hospital ijebu ode , Dr Banjo Adeoye, stated that a total of 30 students and one teacher were brought in for treatment.

He added that most of the affected individuals are in stable condition, noting that the exact chemical substance responsible for the incident is yet to be identified.

Also reacting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Mrs. Kafayat Lawal disclosed that officials swiftly responded after receiving a distress call.

She noted that the situation at the school had been brought under control before their arrival, after which the team proceeded to the hospital to assess the victims.

Dr. Lawal added that environmental officers have been deployed to conduct a thorough evaluation and analysis of the air quality within the school environment to determine the source of the chemical odour.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, who visited the hospital, confirmed that all affected students are stable and that no life was lost. He described the situation as calm and under control, while assuring parents and residents that a full investigation would be carried out to uncover the cause of the incident.

He also advised parents to closely monitor their children for any unusual symptoms, as authorities continue efforts to identify the source of the suspected chemical exposure.