The Ogun State Government has clarified that methane emissions detected in several schools in Ijebu-Ode stem from natural underground geological activity, rather than infrastructure failures or security threats.
Officials dismissed earlier speculations linking the incidents to spiritual myths or sabotage, framing the phenomenon as a localized ecological occurrence.
The clarification aims to quell public anxiety and prevent misinterpretation of the gas leaks as signs of broader energy infrastructure instability in the region.
By attributing the emissions to natural causes, authorities seek to distinguish the event from industrial accidents or pipeline breaches that typically drive market concern.
This development follows initial reports from local media outlets, including The Punch and Channels Television, which highlighted the recurring nature of the emissions.
The government’s statement provides a definitive explanation for the phenomenon, reducing uncertainty around potential supply-side disruptions in the area.