Ogun blames Ijebu-Ode gas emission on natural geological activity, dismisses myths

The Ogun State Government has attributed the recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and its environs to natural underground geological activities, dismissing claims linking the phenomenon to traditional myths or beliefs. Dr. Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, stated during a town hall meeting that scientific investigations have identified the emitted gases as primarily methane and sulphide, originating from underground geological fractures.

Oresanya explained that these emissions are associated with the Ifewara-Zungeru trans-Atlantic fault line, a geological feature that stretches from Mojoda through Ijebu-Ode into Osun State and extends to Zungeru in Niger State. "That fault line has been there from time immemorial and it has been found out that it connects to the areas where the gas emissions occurred. Coincidentally, all the affected schools are located in that area," he said. The commissioner noted that the affected area was historically forested and sparsely populated, with many affected schools being missionary institutions established on largely unoccupied land.

The government is conducting further analysis to determine the origin of the gases (thermogenic or methanogenic) and to ascertain if Ijebu-Ode sits on significant natural gas reserves. Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, advised residents not to panic but to comply with public health guidelines. She recommended covering noses with wet handkerchiefs during emission incidents, as face masks could be dangerous. Residents are urged to contact the state’s health emergency line, 08112000033, for assistance.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbadu, stated that schools recently closed by the government would reopen after consultations with principals and zonal education officers. He appealed to parents to allow the government time to complete necessary safety and administrative processes. Prof. Philip Ikhane, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, who is leading the investigation, urged residents to remain calm and minimize activities like borehole drilling and quarry blasting, which could aggravate the emissions.

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There is what we call the Ifewara-Zungeru trans-Atlantic line that cuts across Mojoda, Ijebu-Ode into Osun State through Zungeru in Niger State. That fault line has been there from time immemorial and it has been found out that it connects to the areas where the gas emissions occurred. Coincidentally, all the affected schools are located in that area.