Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, experienced panic on Tuesday when approximately 35 students from Fakunle Comprehensive School were hospitalized after inhaling tear gas fired by riot policemen.

The affected pupils, who lost consciousness due to the gas, were quickly rushed to two different hospitals for immediate medical attention.

News of the incident spread rapidly, causing parents and guardians to flock to the school in search of information about their children’s well-being.

While those with affected children were directed to the hospitals where they were being treated, other parents swiftly retrieved their children who were still on the school premises.

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The trouble began when riot policemen from PMF 39 Base in Osogbo were conducting their morning drill and unintentionally released several rounds of tear gas.

The gas permeated the school premises, affecting students who were in their respective classes at the time.

Some pupils were taken to a nearby private hospital, while others were transported to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital by the Osun Ambulance Scheme.

Teachers remained at the school, but most students had been sent home.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, explained that the riot policemen were engaged in routine drills and extended apologies to those affected.

The incident prompted adjustments in operations to prevent similar inconveniences in the future.

Elizabeth Arowosafe, Head of Operations for the Osun Ambulance Scheme, confirmed that 11 patients were taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital due to a lack of available space at the nearby private hospital.

The school authorities were advised to dismiss the remaining pupils for the day to avoid further complications.