Academic activities were abruptly halted at Fakunle Unity High School in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday after several pupils passed out from inhaling tear gas. The gas was fired from the nearby Mopol 39 Base where the riot police were conducting their routine morning drills.
According to a source in the school who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of victimization, pupils were already in their various classrooms when the tear gas from the police drills infiltrated the school premises. The gas caused some of the pupils to lose consciousness and they were promptly rushed to the nearby private hospital for medical attention. Others were taken to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo.
Upon arriving at the school premises along the Osogbo/Ikirun road, identified teachers were available, but no pupils were present as they had all been dismissed for the day to prevent further casualties.
Our correspondent reported that none of the teachers were willing to comment about the situation. However, a concerned parent, Gideon, said that he was told to check the Osun State University Teaching Hospital for his daughter, who was said to have been affected by the gas.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, apologized, stating that the police were conducting their usual morning training. She said that the tear gas was needed during the drills and assured the public that there would be necessary adjustments in operation since the Mopol 39 Base is close to other businesses.
Inhaling tear gas can cause a variety of symptoms, including uncontrollable tears, coughing, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. In severe cases, it may result in respiratory distress, chemical burns, or unconsciousness. This situation has brought to light the need for safety measures to be put in place during police drills to protect nearby residents and students.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the need for proper coordination and planning between security agencies and schools to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
