Ogun Govt Attributes Ijebu-Ode Gas Emissions to Underground Fault Lines

The Ogun State Government has ruled out traditional beliefs surrounding the recurring gas emissions recorded in parts of Ijebu-Ode, describing the incidents as natural geological occurrences caused by underground fault lines.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, made this known during a town hall meeting held in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

The clarification follows three separate incidents this year in which students and teachers from some schools in the area were hospitalised after exposure to a suspected chemical odour.

According to Oresanya, investigations revealed that methane and hydrogen sulphide gases were responsible for the emissions, explaining that the gases escaped through fractures beneath the earth’s surface along established fault lines.

He stressed that the phenomenon had no connection with myths or supernatural beliefs, but was a natural geological process.

Oresanya disclosed that the fault line extends from Mojoda through Ijebu-Ode and into Osun State, noting that the affected schools are located along the identified geological corridor.

He further explained that the area was once heavily forested and sparsely populated before missionary activities led to the establishment of schools on lands that had previously been abandoned.

The commissioner identified the Ifewara-Zungeru Trans-Atlantic fault line as a major contributor to the gas emissions, adding that experts are still investigating whether the gases are thermogenic or methanogenic in origin.

He also revealed that the state government is exploring the possibility of natural gas deposits beneath the affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, appealed to residents to remain calm and adhere to safety precautions whenever gas emissions occur.

She advised residents to cover their noses with a wet handkerchief instead of wearing face masks, warning that masks may not be safe in such situations, and urged the public to take immediate protective measures whenever the emissions are noticed.