Ekiti calls for probe as 100 students hospitalised after fumigation

No less than 100 students of the Ekiti State Government-owned College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, were hospitalised on Wednesday after fumigation of the school by men supposed to be from the Federal Fire Service.

The students, who were infuriated about the smell of the chemical and the immediate effect on over 100 female students who collapsed after inhaling the chemical, protested against the exercise.

They were reported to have destroyed buildings and vehicles in the school.

A source in the school stated, “What could be the purpose of fumigating the school for COVID-19 this time when the school is in session and students are sitting for examination? The smell of the chemical used for the fumigation enveloped everywhere and brought discomfort.

“Many of our students were affected. They slumped as they inhaled the chemical in their classrooms and hostels. In fact, I cannot tell the number of students affected, but they were many. They were rushed to the hospital.

“The development angered the students, who embarked on a protest to register their grievances with the school management.”

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that 100 students were taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Ijero Ekiti.

Filani, who quickly came to Ijero Ekiti immediately the ministry was informed, stated, “Before I left the hospital at Ijero, 64 of them had been discharged, while about 34 are still in the facility. I expect many of them to be discharged Wednesday evening and Thursday.

“We sent two of the students to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, for observation and to ensure that they are in good condition and one other is undergoing investigation at the Afe Babalola University Multi-systems Hospital, Ado Ekiti.”

The Health Commissioner, who declared that the Federal Fire Service officers had been arrested by the police, said, “Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”