“Students Must Not Die in Silence” — NANS Ogun JCC Demands Urgent Probe into Suspected Toxic Gas Incident in Ijebu-Ode

By Staff Reporter

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the suspected toxic gas incident in Ijebu-Ode that reportedly left several students hospitalized and sparked widespread concern across the community.

The student body described the development as “alarming and unfortunate,” warning that the health and safety of students must never be compromised under any circumstance.

In a press statement issued by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Olabode Faruq Boluwatife, popularly known as SUCCESS, the association expressed deep concern over reports that students of Our Lady’s Apostles School and surrounding schools were exposed to a strange chemical odour believed to have triggered breathing difficulties, panic, and emergency medical evacuations.

The incident, which has generated anxiety among parents and residents in Ijebu-Ode, reportedly affected students during school activities, with many requiring urgent medical attention after developing symptoms linked to suspected toxic exposure.

Reacting to the development, NANS Ogun JCC extended solidarity to the affected students, their families, school authorities, and residents of the community, while praying for the speedy recovery of all victims receiving treatment.

“The development is both alarming and unfortunate, particularly considering the fact that students engaged in their academic activities were reportedly exposed to conditions that posed serious threats to their health and safety,” the statement read.

The student association called on the Ogun State Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ogun State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), environmental protection agencies, and security authorities to immediately commence a transparent and scientific investigation into the cause of the incident.

According to NANS, beyond identifying the immediate source of the suspected toxic emission, authorities must also investigate underlying environmental and industrial factors that could pose long-term risks to residents and school communities in the area.

The association further urged relevant agencies to conduct urgent environmental safety assessments and public health evaluations across schools, residential neighbourhoods, and adjoining communities within Ijebu-Ode to prevent future occurrences.

NANS Ogun JCC also emphasized the importance of responsible public communication, cautioning residents against spreading unverified information capable of escalating fear and tension within the community.

While encouraging members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, the student body stressed that government institutions must provide timely and credible updates to sustain public confidence and prevent misinformation.

“The welfare, safety, and protection of Nigerian students remain a fundamental priority of NANS Ogun JCC,” the statement added.

The association pledged to continue monitoring developments surrounding the incident while advocating necessary measures to guarantee the protection of students and residents alike.

The latest reaction from NANS comes amid growing public concern over recurring environmental safety incidents in Ijebu-Ode following reports of unusual chemical odours and rising fears over possible air quality contamination in parts of the town.

Residents and parents have continued to demand urgent government intervention, stronger environmental surveillance, and improved emergency response mechanisms to ensure the safety of schools and surrounding communities.