35 pupils of Fakunle Comprehensive School in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were on Tuesday, May 23, hospitalised after inhaling teargas fired by some policemen in the area.

It was gathered that the pupils became unconscious after inhaling the teargas fired by riot police officers who were undergoing their morning drill in the area.

It was learned that the policemen, who fired several teargas during the exercise, were attached to the PMF 39 Base in Osogbo.

Some pupils of the school located directly opposite the base were said to have inhaled the teargas that spread into the school premises and lost consciousness.

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It was further gathered that the affected pupils were rushed to a private hospital located near the school for treatment, while others were taken to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, said the policemen were engaging in their usual morning drill when the incident occurred.

Opalola, who apologised to the affected pupils, said: “They (policemen) were just engaging in their morning drills which involved the use of teargas. 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.”

The Star