Ogun state governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has ordered an immediate investigation into the mysterious gaseous chemical release that affected students and teachers in Ijebu-Ode, directing security agencies to uncover the source and prevent a recurrence.

The incident, which occurred earlier in the day, saw about 30 students and two teachers of Our Lady of Apostles School (OLAS) exposed to the gas, resulting in respiratory distress after inhalation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the governor said the ongoing investigation would establish the root cause of the incident and provide actionable recommendations to avert future occurrences.

As part of immediate response measures, the governor directed the activation of a Situation Room at the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode to provide free medical care to affected students and residents in surrounding communities, including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto, and Oke-Aje market.

Authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of the affected schools as a precautionary step, while urging residents to remain calm and not interpret the incident as a security threat.

Meanwhile, officials from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency and state safety agencies have deployed gas analysers to trace the source of the emission.

A high-level delegation led by Oresanya, alongside the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, and senior officials from the Ministries of Environment and Education, visited both the affected schools and the hospital where victims are receiving treatment.

Providing an update, the commissioner confirmed that all affected students and teachers are in stable condition, signaling a controlled situation despite the earlier panic.

The incident has heightened concerns over environmental safety in the area, even as the state government intensifies efforts to identify the source and restore public confidence.