Ogun, FG probe recurring gas leaks in Ijebu-Ode

File: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

The Ogun State Government and the Federal Government have commenced a joint investigation into recurring methane gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities following four reported incidents that have raised concerns among residents.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that a team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, alongside development partners, was conducting the investigation to establish the source of the emissions and recommend measures to prevent further occurrences.

The state government disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade.

According to the statement, the team, led by the NUPRC Deputy Director, Omonedo Prosper, is examining the emission patterns and possible sources of the gas following preliminary briefings by state government officials on interventions already undertaken.

The reported incidents have caused persistent unpleasant odours in affected communities, raising concerns among residents about possible environmental and health implications.

The statement said the NUPRC delegation had expressed its readiness to work with the state government and other relevant agencies to establish the cause of the emissions and develop a lasting solution.

Akinmade said the state government was committed to making the findings of the investigation available promptly, implementing appropriate preventive measures and providing necessary health support and monitoring for affected communities.

He identified Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East and Odogbolu, as well as other communities across Ogun East, as areas requiring attention as investigations and monitoring continued.

“We believe that collaboration with the Federal Government and research institutions is crucial. The Ogun State Government is resolute in its decision to implement the recommendations of the investigating team once investigations are concluded and to take concrete steps to ensure that the emissions do not recur,” he said.

The government assured residents that their safety and well-being remained a priority, adding that it would sustain engagement with relevant federal agencies and technical experts until the matter was comprehensively addressed.

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Earlier, the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ikhane Phillips, explained that geochemical analysis would help determine the composition and source of the gas, while geophysical investigations would establish its possible underground origin and movement.

He noted that findings from ongoing site inspections and laboratory tests would provide the scientific basis for determining appropriate interventions.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, had disclosed that the state was working closely with the Federal Government to address the situation.

Oresanya called for improved information sharing to address public concerns and advised residents on precautionary measures during periods of unpleasant odour. He also assured them that the gas was not lethal.

Meanwhile, Ijebu Para’po Info Media has commended Abiodun and the NUPRC for their intervention and efforts to find a lasting solution to the recurring emissions.

The group praised the state government for responding to residents’ concerns and maintaining engagement with relevant authorities, expressing optimism that the ongoing investigation would produce a permanent solution.

PUNCH Metro reports that the October gas leak affected more than 100 pupils, who were reportedly hospitalised after inhaling an offensive gaseous substance.

The affected pupils were taken to the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, the General Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo, and other healthcare facilities for treatment.

The worst-hit schools included Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, and Itamerin Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye.