Osun school pupils hospitalised after inhaling teargas fired by police

Fakunle Unity High School, a secondary school in Osogbo, Osun State, abruptly ended academic activities on Tuesday after some students passed out from tear gas inhalation caused by men from Mopol 39 Base, which is located directly 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 classes when tear gas fired by riot police officers conducting morning drills entered the building.

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

Only teachers 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 teachers 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 told to check the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for his daughter, who was allegedly affected by the tear gas.

When he arrived, he was instructed to check the Uniosun Teaching Hospital for his daughter. About 20 of the students were sent home after losing consciousness as a result of breathing in tear gas that was fired by the Mopol base’s personnel.

When contacted for comment, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson said the riot policemen were participating in their routine morning drills and expressed regret to those who were harmed.

“I just spoke to the folks at the Mopol base,” she said. Tear gas was being used during their morning drills when this was happening. We are sorry for the trouble. Since the base is now close to where other people run their businesses as well, adjustments to the operation will be needed.