Several students and teachers of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were on Wednesday hospitalised after reportedly inhaling a strange and offensive odour that swept through the school premises during academic activities.
The incident, which triggered panic among students and staff members, was said to have occurred during school hours when an unusual smell suddenly permeated parts of the school, leaving many individuals feeling unwell.
Sources within the school disclosed that some of those affected experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness, and severe discomfort shortly after perceiving the odour.
The development prompted an emergency response, with affected students and teachers rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for medical attention.
Although details surrounding the source of the smell remained unclear as of press time, health officials and school authorities were said to have commenced preliminary investigations into the incident.
Wednesday’s occurrence has further heightened concerns among residents and parents, especially as it comes barely two months after a similar episode reportedly affected dozens of students in the same school.
In April, no fewer than 30 students were hospitalised after an unidentified substance was said to have caused health complications within the school environment.
Following the latest incident, worried parents who trooped to the school demanded urgent action from relevant authorities, warning that repeated occurrences could pose serious risks to students and staff.
They called for a comprehensive environmental assessment of the area and the immediate implementation of safety measures to prevent a recurrence.
As of the time of filing this report, neither government authorities nor environmental agencies had released an official statement explaining the cause of the mysterious odour.
The recurring incidents have sparked fresh concerns over environmental safety in Ijebu-Ode, with stakeholders urging authorities to swiftly identify the source of the problem and ensure the protection of students, teachers, and nearby residents.