More than 100 students and teachers have reportedly been hospitalised in Ogun State after exposure to a suspected toxic chemical substance around a school environment.
The incident occurred on Friday at Community High School, Iyana Iyesi in Ota, causing panic among students, staff and residents after several victims reportedly developed breathing difficulties and suddenly collapsed.
According to reports, the affected students and teachers began experiencing symptoms shortly after inhaling suspected chemical fumes believed to have originated from a nearby industrial facility. Emergency responders and residents were seen evacuating victims from classrooms as the situation escalated.
Witnesses said many of the students complained of dizziness, chest pain and difficulty breathing before they were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment and emergency response agencies reportedly visited the scene to assess the situation and begin investigations into the source of the suspected toxic substance.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other emergency agencies were also mobilised to secure the area and coordinate rescue operations.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the exact chemical involved, but preliminary findings reportedly suggest that fumes from industrial activities within the area may have triggered the incident.
Parents and residents gathered around the school premises during the emergency, demanding immediate government action and stricter environmental monitoring of factories operating close to residential and school environments.
Health officials said several victims were stabilised after receiving treatment, although some remained under medical observation as of the time of reporting.
The Ogun State government has assured residents that a full investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
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