1 week ago
24
Not less than 10 students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are now receiving treatment in government hospitals after they inhaled poisonous gas and collapsed on Monday.
The Oyo State government swiftly responded to the emergency situation at the tertiary institution after receiving a distress call.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, upon receiving reports of the incident, led an immediate emergency response to the school with affected students promptly evacuated and transferred to Ring Road State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH).
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the affected students, who were from the Science Laboratory and Technology Department, were seated in their lecture hall after a course test had been conducted.
It was learnt that a fight reportedly broke out between two students, and while others attempted to intervene, an unknown choking substance was released into the air, allegedly sprayed by one of the students which led to several students collapsing, and some went unconscious with 10 students affected.
Following the intervention, the Commissioner personally visited the hospitals to assess the condition of the students, confirming that they had been stabilized and were receiving appropriate medical care.
She urged the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
She also emphasized the need for the institution to organize sensitization programs for students, discouraging acts of violence and harmful behaviour that could jeopardize public safety.
She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all residents of Oyo State and will continue to respond promptly to health-related emergencies.
The acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, appreciated the prompt response of the state government to the emergency situation and pledged to fish out the perpetrators of the act.
In the company of 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.
Kemi Olaitan
Follow us on:
English (US) ·