Students hospitalised after inhaling teargas fired by police in Osun

Fakunle Unity High School, a secondary school in Osogbo, Osun State, abruptly ended academic activities on Tuesday when some students passed out from tear gas inhalation caused by men from Mopol 39 Base, which is located immediately across the street from the school.

According to a school source who asked to remain anonymous out of concern for harassment, students were already seated in their various courses when tear gas sprayed by riot police officers conducting morning drills entered the building.

As a result, several of the students passed out after breathing in the gas and were brought for treatment to a nearby private hospital, while others were taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo.

Only staff were present when our correspondent arrived at the school’s grounds along the Osogbo/Ikirun road; the students had reportedly been expelled for the day to avoid additional casualties.

None of the instructors contacted wanted to comment on the situation, but a parent who only wanted to be known as Gideon told our correspondent that he had been ordered to check the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for his daughter, who was allegedly affected by the tear gas.

He said, “When I got here, I was told to check Uniosun Teaching Hospital for my daughter. The students have been sent home after about 20 of them lost consciousness after inhaling tear gas fired by the men of the Mopol base here.”

When approached for comment, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson claimed the riot officers were participating in their routine morning drills and expressed regret to individuals who were harmed.

She said, “I just spoke to the people at the Mopol base. They were just engaging in their morning drills, which involved the use of tear gas. We apologise for the inconvenience. There will be necessary adjustments in operation since the base is now close to where other people also operate their businesses.”