Ogun govt links Ijebu-Ode gas emissions to natural geological fault lines

The Ogun State Government has dismissed traditional explanations for recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode communities, attributing the incidents to natural underground geological events linked to fault lines. This clarification comes after students and teachers were hospitalized following suspected chemical odor exposure on three separate occasions this year across several schools in the area.

Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, stated during a town hall meeting that investigations revealed methane and sulphide gases were responsible for the emissions. He explained that these gases escape through underground fractures along established fault lines, identifying the Ifewara-Zungeru trans-Atlantic fault line as a significant factor. The commissioner noted that affected schools are situated along this geological corridor, which was historically forested and sparsely populated before the establishment of missionary settlements.

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The occurrence is not traditional mythology but a natural geological process.

Mr. Oresanya confirmed that further laboratory studies are underway to determine the exact origin of the gases, examining whether they are thermogenic or methanogenic. The government is also investigating the possibility of natural gas deposits beneath the communities. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, urged residents to remain calm and follow safety measures, such as covering their nose with a wet handkerchief and avoiding face masks, which could be unsafe during such incidents.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbadu, addressed concerns about school closures, stating that affected schools would reopen after consultations with relevant stakeholders, including school principals and zonal education officers. He appealed to parents to allow the government to complete necessary safety procedures. Professor Philip Ikhane of Olabisi Onabanjo University advised residents against activities that could exacerbate existing geological conditions, such as excessive borehole drilling and quarry blasting. Stakeholders have commended the government's intervention and ongoing investigations, urging prompt use of emergency channels for future occurrences.

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Cover your nose with a wet handkerchief and avoid face masks.