10 Ibadan Poly Students Hospitalized After Inhaling Suspected Toxic Gas
10 students from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, collapsed on Tuesday and were rushed to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be toxic gas.
As of Tuesday, when this report was being compiled, the affected students were receiving medical care at government hospitals.
The Oyo State government acted swiftly to address the emergency at the institution after being alerted through a distress call.
Upon learning about the situation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, immediately led an emergency response team to the scene.
The affected students were quickly evacuated and transferred to Ring Road State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH) for treatment.
Reports indicated that the students, all from the Science Laboratory and Technology Department, were inside their lecture hall after completing a test.
A physical altercation erupted between two students, and as others attempted to separate them, an unidentified choking substance was released into the air, allegedly sprayed by one of the individuals involved.
This caused several students to collapse, with some losing consciousness. A total of 10 students were affected.
Following the state government’s intervention, the commissioner visited the hospitals to evaluate the students’ condition and confirmed that they had been stabilized and were receiving proper medical attention.
Dr. Ajetunmobi urged The Polytechnic’s management to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible were identified and held accountable.
She also emphasized the importance of organizing awareness campaigns within the institution to educate students about the dangers of violence and harmful actions that could endanger public safety.
The commissioner reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all Oyo State residents, promising continued swift responses to health-related emergencies.
The Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, expressed gratitude to the state government for its quick intervention and vowed to identify those responsible for the act.
Accompanying the commissioner were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde; the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training, Dr. Adekunle Aremu; the Director of Nursing Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Oyebode; the Director of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services, Mrs. Afusat Akande; and members of the Rapid Response Team.
