Ogun moves to geological explanation as experts investigate earth crust gas release in schools crisis

Chinedum Ukaegbu

Ogun State Government has confirmed that ongoing investigations into the repeated gas emission incidents recorded in parts of Ijebu-Ode and surrounding communities have reached an advanced scientific stage, with early findings increasingly pointing toward a possible tectonic origin beneath the affected axis.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, said preliminary geological assessments suggest that the emissions may be linked to subsurface movements along a suspected linear fault zone running beneath several communities and schools in the area.

According to him, technical field data and sensor readings indicate that the gas may be escaping from deep beneath the earth’s crust, possibly through natural fractures or underground disturbances that align across the affected locations.

He explained that the investigation team had identified what appears to be a “straight subsurface geological connection” linking affected schools and communities, raising the possibility of a shared underground pathway for the emissions.

The commissioner, Hon. Ola Oresanya (Hon. Ola Oresanya), stated that experts are currently evaluating whether the phenomenon is purely tectonic in nature or influenced by human activities such as quarry blasting.

He said: “We’ve succeeded in narrowing it down to the Earth’s crust. The points where the gas is detected appear to lie along a straight underground alignment.”

Recurring gas incidents and health impact

The development follows a series of alarming gas-related incidents in Ijebu-Ode that have affected more than 200 students and teachers across three major waves within two months.

The first incident occurred in early April 2026 at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School (OLAS), where a chemical-like odour triggered panic and led to about 30 hospital admissions.

A second and more severe episode on May 15, 2026, recorded high methane concentrations reportedly reaching 13,500 ppm, spreading to Anglican Girls Grammar School and surrounding areas.

The most recent outbreak in June saw 69 students rushed to the hospital after experiencing dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells. While all victims were later discharged, the recurring nature of the incidents heightened public anxiety and triggered demands for deeper forensic investigation.

Tectonic theory under review

Oresanya explained that geological experts are now examining whether the emissions are linked to tectonic activity—movements within the Earth’s crust that can release trapped gases through underground fractures.

He likened the suspected process to gas release during deep borehole drilling, where trapped gases sometimes escape unexpectedly from underground cavities.

According to him, the presence of methane and traces of hydrogen sulphide supports the theory that the emissions may originate from anaerobic conditions deep beneath the surface.

He added that while natural geological activity remains a strong possibility, human-induced factors such as quarry blasting are also under review.

Quarry operations and pipeline shutdown

The government has also placed quarry operations in the broader Ijebu-Ode axis under scrutiny, noting that repeated blasting could potentially widen underground fractures and influence gas movement.

Authorities confirmed a temporary suspension of gas pipeline operations in the affected area as a precautionary measure to rule out leakage.

However, the commissioner clarified that the decision was preventive and not based on any confirmed fault in pipeline infrastructure.

He stressed that no final decision had been taken regarding the suspension of quarry activities pending further scientific confirmation.

Dear of seismic activity and 2028 earthquake claim

In a surprising dimension to the investigation, the commissioner referenced an academic lecture delivered at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, suggesting that the region may experience possible seismic activity in 2028.

The lecture, reportedly delivered by a professor of Solid Earth Physics, raised concerns about long-term geological instability in the area.

While the claim has not been scientifically verified by the government, it has now been integrated into the broader scope of ongoing geological assessments.

Security and safety monitoring

To ensure public safety, the state government has deployed monitoring devices across affected schools to detect gas emissions in real time.

Security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) (Department of State Services) and Amotekun Corps have also been involved in environmental sweeps to rule out sabotage or deliberate chemical attacks.

Authorities confirmed that CCTV footage from schools showed no evidence of human interference during the incidents.

No school closure order

Despite public concern, the government has not ordered the closure of schools in the affected areas.

Officials insist that academic activities should continue under strict monitoring protocols, arguing that there is currently no scientific justification for blanket shutdowns.

The commissioner maintained that panic-driven closure would be counterproductive to ongoing investigations.

Health response and panic factor

The Ministry of Health reported that most patients treated during the incidents were stabilised and discharged, with many cases linked to anxiety-induced reactions rather than severe toxic exposure.

Officials noted that a significant number of affected students were asthmatic or exhibited panic symptoms triggered by fear and confusion during the incidents.

Emergency response teams and ambulances remain stationed across schools, equipped with oxygen and first-aid facilities.

Scientific collaboration intensifies

The Ogun State Government confirmed collaboration with several academic and technical institutions, including Olabisi Onabanjo University and Federal University of Technology, Akure, alongside federal agencies.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Limited) and geological experts have also been engaged to provide technical support.

Officials said the Geological Survey of Nigeria will soon join the investigation to help determine the exact nature of the underground emissions.

Community assurance and next steps

The government has urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue, stressing that all findings so far remain preliminary and subject to scientific validation.

Oresanya reiterated that the state is committed to resolving the mystery using a data-driven and multi-agency approach, while ensuring the safety of students and residents in affected communities.

As monitoring continues, authorities say they are now focused on determining whether Ijebu-Ode is experiencing a natural tectonic gas release, a human-influenced underground disturbance, or a combination of both geological and environmental factors.